The existence of water is the source of livelihood for the Masai and their cattle. In 2010 and 2011 their tribal area was subjected to severe drought. Sooner or later they would have had to decide whether to give water to the cattle or to drink it themselves. Not giving water to the cattle would have resulted in their relocation to the slums of Nairobi as their cattle represents their primary source of income.
Consequently, the proceeds of the Bazaar 2011 were dedicated to the project «A well for Olpirikata» and we had a well installed which pumps water out of a depth of 170 meters by means of a solar powered pump. Since the soil is made of rock, drilling a 170-meter well was a costly and labor intensive challenge.

Giorgio Girella was responsible for the planning while the drilling as well as the construction work were carried out by the local population. The distribution of the water is handled by the locals.

The first geological drillings took place in January 2012 and the license to drill was granted by the government in mid-June 2012. On August 9th, 2012 the drilling began. After 24 hours, water was found at a depth of 170 meters. On September 3rd, 2012, water samples were taken over a 24- hour period. The samples were then tested in a special laboratory in Nairobi where it was confirmed that the water was drinkable. On November 1st, 2012 the pump and generator were turned on. Two locals are responsable for the maintenance of the pump and generator. The water is sold to the population at 20 Kenyan cents (appr. 0.2 Rappen) for 5 liters.

August 9th, 2012: The drilling starts

August 10th, 2012: Water is found at a depth of 170 meters – Everyone is overjoyed!

Mounting and testing of the pump

The Masai women also help

And thus we were able to preserve the livelihood of 1,400 people in the long-term.
A big thank you to all the donators!