Permanent Clean Water for a Community in Kenya Photo Gallery
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The Sand Dam Miracle!
In semi-arid Africa, a sand dam transforms the environment. Heavy rains and sand accumulate behind the dam and million of litres of clean water get stored naturally under the sand. A sand dam also recharges the water table which has a huge impact on the local ecosystem.
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Permanent Clean Water for communities
It takes 2 to 3 seasons for a sand dam to reach maturity. Since 2002, Excellent development has helped communities building 214 sand dams. Despite unprecednted drought in East Africa, our mature sand dams have never dried out. Low maintenance technology, they are built to last over 30 years!
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Community ownership and empowerment
According to Excellent development ethos, self constituted groups come to us and require support for sand dam building. The communities carry the work themselves and take ownership, thus ensuring sustainabilty of the project.
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Enjoying the water!
Beneficiaries acces the precious water by scooping a hole in the sand. One just need to dig a few feet to reach the water. The sand acts as a filter, prevents evaporation and contamination. The water is clean!
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A spring is created!
Some dams are equiped with a pipe for convenient access. Here is the example of an ingenious sand dam coupled with a water tank, which offers a continuous flow of clean water throughout the year!
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Improving food production
Sand dams enable farmers to grow food even in the driest conditions. You can see members of the Kwa Mukonza community working on their farm near a sand dam.
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Improving incomes
Food production is increased, allowing farmers to generate a surplus income. Here is a woman selling her vegetables in a local market.
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Establishing community tree nurseries
Trees can provide long-term environmental and economic benefits. Trees proivde fuel, food, fodder, compost, building materials and even medicines from their wood, leaves and fruit. Since 2002, Excellent Development has helped planting nearly 600,000 trees.
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Education for Children
Children also benefit form the sand dams: released from the chore of fetching water, they can attend school and receive an education. Paying for school expenses is regarded as a high priority for Kenyan households.
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Overall Winner of the 2008 UK Charity Awards
“Excellent Development is a fantastic example of how innovation, passion and vision can be turned into an effective project demonstrating considerable impact."Daniel Phelan, organiser of the Charity Awards 2008
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