Follow us over the course of a year as we help the community of Matopeni in Nairobi, Kenya, build clean water and sanitation facilities.
July was a busy month in Matopeni, with residents beginning to see real changes in their living conditions as Christian Aid partner Maji na Ufanisi began constructing new drains.
Perseverance pays off
It’s been 14 years since people began to move to Matopeni. Although the settlement is now home to around 300 families, essential services have not developed at the same rate. 'They like to work because they know they are doing it for themselves'
Working with the community, Maji na Ufanisi will help tackle problems caused by poor sanitation and the lack of clean water in the slum.
Community cleans up
Having waited so long for this work to begin, Matopeni community were keen to get involved as soon as it started - even if it meant getting their hands dirty.
On 24 July residents turned out in force to take part in a clean up.
Around 75 community members joined staff from Maji na Ufanisi to remove rubbish and other waste from the existing drains which will be upgraded to ensure they no longer get blocked and flood.
Construction begins
Just two days later, work began to construct the new drains. Men and women from the community are involved in the project as foreman, masons and labourers.
With unemployment in the area high and many residents relying on casual work to feed their families, this not only allows them to take ownership of the project but also provides a valuable source of income.
Mason Hosiah Maina Njogu is pleased that so many people from Matopeni – many of whom are single mothers - are involved in the project.
‘They like to work because they know they are doing it for themselves,’ he says.
Continue to read how heavy rain delayed work
