Tap! Tap! Tap! What is that on the roof?

By Soila Munyaka

There has been a prolonged shortage of water in Isinya, and this problem is going to be around for a long time, since the only source is from some few shallow wells and private boreholes.

This has forced the residents to dig deep into their pockets so as to access this very fundamental and scarce commodity; and with the inflation rates hitting the ceilings, it can only get harder.

The underground tank at St. Patrick's church compound

Following the announcement by the weather man about the coming of El-Niño rains, in late last year, the ACK St. Patrick’s church constructed an underground tank with a capacity of 205 cm³ for harvesting rain water, which to many was a looming disaster at the time. 

The water from the tank will be used in an income generating activity of organic farming using greenhouse technology. 

In future, similar underground tanks shall be constructed to harvest rain water from all the buildings in the compound; as a long-term plan. This will create job opportunities for the youth as this can be a water purification and bottling enterprise.

Most water sources in Isinya provide hard water, and so the water collected from the seasonal precipitation will provide the much precious soft water; with just a little purification, there will be pure drinking water available to the community. As the saying goes, water is life.

ALIN Partners With the Church

By Soila Munyaka

Following a partnership between ALIN and the ACK Diocese of Kajiado, in mid last year, Isinya Maarifa Centre has since been moved to St. Patrick’s church compound.

 

Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gaddiel Lenini cuts a ribbon to the containers that house the library and the computer room

More people are going to benefit since it is more accessible compared to its former premises at the MRTC. The church is also planning to establish an all-round Educational Centre, and this move is quite convenient.

 

Computer room

The services that were being offered for free at the Maarifa Centre are now being offered at a low fee. They include library and internet services, and also computer services including training.

The library

The future is quite bright for the residents of Isinya, with formation of linkages to create a fully-fledged information Centre. Plans are underway to bring more partners on board, who include the Kenya Library Services, Practical Action and some Government Ministries; to provide the necessary information materials for the community.

All these activities seek to have an empowered community of Isinya and beyond, because information is power.