Written by Joyce Nyongesa 2012-09-11 14:46:00 Read 1012 Times

A man clears grass at a community water site at Namirama village, Bungoma County as a way of reducing water pollution and curbing outbreak of water related diseases. [PHOTO|Joyce Nyongesa|West Fm] 

Namirama village, Bungoma County - Residents of Namirama village have been urged to maintain water sanitation around water fetching places to reduce and or prevent water borne diseases among those who use it.

This came up at the time the Community Health Workers were cleaning the village water fetching area after a long time of water pollution and bushy environment by residents who have neglected the place for a long time yet they go there to fetch water for domestic use.

Speaking during the cleaning task Jamila Said treasurer of the group said that, the water is meant for drinking and other home use but the residents have revolted to abusing and dirtying the water catchment place with some even taking bath and long calls around the place thus causing diseases to people who stay down source because all the dirt is carried by water as it flows. Residents clearing the area near the community water point in Namirama village. [PHOTO|Joyce Nyongesa|West Fm]

The place was built by Ministry of Public Health in 1995 and it has acted as a savior to the community around as they used to experience water scarcity before.

Water scarcity is now a history to them but they fail to understand its importance and keep on polluting the place that is much useful to their lives.

One of the residents, Cynthia Juma noted that there were some repairs that were made in 2006 from CDF funds and a group was formed to ensure good use of water, but after sometime it became dormant. She urged residents to work in unity and ensure that water is not polluted and the area around it stays clean free from bushes that can bring harmful animals like snakes.

Residents fetching water after a cleanup exercise. [PHOTO|Joyce Nyongesa|West Fm]

Community Health Workers in partnership with Community Health Committee was formed to make sure that sanitation becomes part and parcel of people in Bungoma county thus reducing diseases.

The group consists of women, men and youths who are ready and willing to serve the community without expecting payment from anyone.

Registration to get membership in the group is free to anyone who knows how to read and write. 

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