600 Schools in Kisumu Receive Safe Water Tanks
In an effort to enhance hygiene and combat water-borne diseases, Impact Water Organization has successfully distributed 2,952 units of 100-litre water tanks to more than 600 primary and secondary schools across Kisumu County.
This noble initiative, spanning all eight sub-counties of Lakeside County, aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to students, enabling them to focus on their studies without the burden of constant illnesses caused by the lack of access to clean water.
Lucy Owiti, an official from Impact Water, emphasized the significance of the initiative in addressing the prevalent issue of water-borne diseases among school-going children.
Owiti explained that the organization conducts thorough assessments of the recipient institutions to determine their eligibility for the water tanks and treatment facilities.
Water Purification Methods and Solutions
The safe drinking water solutions provided by Impact Water include water purification methods such as Aqua Tabs, Ultraflo, and inlet systems.
For schools without piped water, the Aqua Tabs program is implemented, involving the use of a single chlorine tablet in a 100-litre tank.
This program is specifically designed for schools relying on river, well, or rainwater sources, where a connected flow system is not possible.
In the case of schools with piped water connections, sourced from water companies, rivers, or rainwater, the organization installs the inlet system.
This system is connected to the meter to treat the incoming water, ensuring its cleanliness and safety for consumption.
The number of water tanks provided to each school is determined by its population.
As a general estimate, one tank is allocated for approximately every 100 students.
Depending on the number of learners, schools receive anywhere between three to eight water tanks.
Awareness of Safe Drinking Water and Hygiene
In addition to providing the necessary infrastructure, Impact Water actively educates students and teachers about safe drinking water and proper handwashing practices.
This awareness campaign aims to reinforce the importance of maintaining good hygiene habits among the school community.
Lucy Owiti defended the organization’s decision to invest in smaller capacity tanks, highlighting the ease of maintenance and improved water quality they offer.
The 100-litre tanks are easier to clean compared to larger 1,000-litre tanks.
They require the replacement of fresh water and the addition of purification tablets every three days, ensuring consistent water quality.
This approach facilitates regular maintenance and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the initiative.
The impact of the initiative has been widely recognized by students and school administrators.
Immaculate Atieno, a pupil from Mbeme Primary School, expressed her gratitude for having access to safe drinking water, which helps prevent dehydration during school hours.
Emmanuel Otieno, the Principal of Kibos Secondary School, praised the initiative, emphasizing the significant improvement in safe drinking water availability and the increased number of handwashing points.
600 Schools in Kisumu Receive Safe Water Tanks
