Kipsongo Slum … one step forward, one step backwards ...

14 February 2013

As the old expression goes, you can’t stand still; you’re either going forward or backwards.

Visited the Kipsongo slum to check on the water wells of the village of some 400 homes. Well #1 (Serviced annually) and Well # 2 (originally constructed), both by the Wind & Water Foundation, continue to supply clean, safe water.

 

The concern with the slum continues to be their disregard for the need for a clean environment for themselves and their children. Furthermore their neglect for the well-being of their elderly of the community is disturbing.

They have, however, made good strides in replacing the provisional twigs and plastic bags huts with clay and timber houses. Over the past 4 years, they have gone from 35 of these type shelters down to just six. They have been on this site since 1972.

 

They also now have three new brick enclosed latrines / toilets … a marked improvement and critical to the health of the community. This poverty stricken village of these people of the Turkana tribe did not get this way overnight obviously and it will take the Elders, Pastors and Teachers time to resolve. It is truly though, a life and death situation.

The Wind & Water Foundation is dedicated to continuing to provide them with clean, safe, accessible water.