Safaricom Foundation in collaboration with partners such as Action Aid have implemented two water projects worth Sh7.4 million in Ndhiwa Sub County.
The projects are aimed at providing clean water at Kobodo health center in Kanyamwa Kologi Ward and Kachuth health center in Kwabwai ward.
Head of Finance at Safaricom Foundation John Kinoti said the projects were targeting to promote safe delivery in the maternities through a programme dubbed “uzazi salama” which they were partnering with Homa Bay county government.
Kinoti presided over the launch of the projects Sunday accompanied by Action Aid Executive Director Susan Otieno, Homa Bay Chief Officer for Health Kevin Osuri and Kanyamwa Kologi Member of County Assembly David Oloo.
The construction of the solar powered projects involved drilling borehole, installation of treatment plant and storage reservoirs.
Kinoti said the projects were implemented after it was established that water shortage adversely affected expectant women seeking delivery.
“Shortage of water discouraged women from delivering in the health facilities. They resorted to delivering at home,” Kinoti said.
He said they chose the health facilities because they were experiencing high cases of infant and maternal mortalities.
“Making water available in the health facilities will reduce cases of maternal and infant mortalities. Women will henceforth deliver in a conducive environment,” he added.
Osuri said reliable supply of water to the health facilities would prevent the spread of communicable diseases like cholera and dysentery.
Osuri said local communities would also use the water for domestic purposes.
“Waterborne diseases have been witnessed in Ndhiwa. The projects will enhance the fight against the diseases and save lives of our people,” Osuri said.
Residents were urged to safeguard the projects to ensure sustainable supply of clean water. The communities have formed committees for management of the projects.
On her part, Otieno said they partnered and came up with the project to cushion expectant mothers and newborn babies from contracting diseases in the health facilities.
“The projects will encourage more women to deliver in health facilities because the main problem has been addressed,” she said.
Oloo said the projects will benefit about 40,000 residents and that said they would protect the project to ensure its sustainability.
Source: Kenya News Agency