A grassroots initiative in Nairobi's Kibera neighborhood has drastically reduced waterborne illnesses by using an innovative aerial piping system to deliver clean water to residents.
Lenny Rashid Ruvaga reports for Undark Magazine.
In short:
- Kibera residents have long relied on potentially contaminated trucked water, causing frequent illness.
- A local organization, SHOFCO, built an aerial piping system that now provides clean water to about 40,000 people.
- This system has significantly reduced diarrheal diseases, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding.
Key quote:
“Piping water in helps clean water maintain its integrity without interference from elements including tampering.”
— Kennedy Odede, founder and CEO of SHOFCO.
Why this matters:
Access to clean water is vital for public health, especially in underserved communities. SHOFCO's system reduces disease and sets a precedent for addressing water access in other resource-limited areas.
