Samburuland Open Reservoirs in depth
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There are four distinct phases to this project:
1. The existing site, which is already a suitable shape for collecting water, is cleared, providing much needed employment for local people.
2. Using earth-moving equipment, the earth is scooped out from the centre outwards and deposited at the perimeter of the eventual ‘lake’ to create the reservoir wall. This wall acts as a natural barrier to ensure rainwater is collected and stored. Compacted using the mechanical equipment, the wall is extremely strong, perfectly natural and will last for at least 100 years.
3. A dry stone wall is built, again using natural materials and local labour, to a height of 1.4m and a depth of 1m. This will provide a natural barrier to wild animals and livestock, preventing them from polluting the water. Several troughs around the wall perimeter will be fed by pipes from within the reservoir.
4. A standpipe will be put in place to ensure that people have a clean water source. Some simple filter mechanism may also be required.
All work is carried out in an eco-friendly manner and in keeping with local traditions. The aim of this project is to provide sufficient water in a semi-arid environment that will benefit people, animals and plant life. Once the reservoir is full it will last for up to one year. With two rainy seasons per year it is expected to provide clean safe water without the need for further replenishment. The reservoir will provide water to the local nomadic tribe, the Samburu, and their livestock, and have a positive impact on their overall health (especially the eye problems from which the tribe suffer).
The protection provided by the wall will ensure a micro-environment for small mammals, flora and fauna, birds and insects. This micro-environment will also encourage wild fowl to use the dam as a stopping off point on their north to south migratory pattern, as well as other endangered species such as the Crowned Crane. It is on the northern migratory path of elephants and will provide water for predators, gazelle and all other wildlife.
The photo above left shows a similar reservoir that was built in 2002. Each reservoir plays a beneficial role in the lives of both human beings and animals and costs in the region of £10,000.
For those of you who may be considering a safari holiday in Kenya we can arrange a day or two at Ol Malo (Five Star Luxury!), where you can visit the project and experience at first hand the difference you are making to people’s lives.
Updates... Journal from WTNs most recent Kenya trip