Safaricom Foundation has partnered with Action Aid to unveil two Kes74 million water projects in Ndiwa Sub-County to provide clean water to health centres.
The two health centres to benefit are; Kobodo health centre in Kanyamwa Kologi Ward and Kachuth health centre in Kwabwai ward.
Safaricom Foundation Head of Finance, John Kinoti said the project targets to provide safe delivery in the maternities through a programme dubbed “uzazi salama” in partnership with the Homa Bay county government.
Speaking during the launch of the projects, Kinoti said the projects were implemented after it was established that water shortage adversely affected expectant women seeking to deliver.
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“Shortage of water discouraged women from delivering in the health facilities. They resorted to delivering at home,” Kinoti said.
Further, he said they chose the health facilities because they were experiencing high cases of infant and maternal mortalities.
“Making water available in the health facilities will reduce cases of maternal and infant mortalities. Women will henceforth deliver in a conducive environment,” he added.
Homa Bay Chief Officer for Health Kevin Osuri noted that a reliable supply of water to the health facilities would prevent the spread of communicable diseases like cholera and dysentery.
He also said local communities would also use the water for domestic purposes.
“Waterborne diseases have been witnessed in Ndhiwa. The projects will enhance the fight against the diseases and save the lives of our people,” he added.
Additionally, he called upon residents to safeguard the projects to ensure a sustainable supply of clean water. The communities have formed committees for the management of the projects.
On her part, Action Aid Executive Director Susan Otieno said the project will cushion expectant mothers and newborn babies from contracting diseases in the health facilities.
“The projects will encourage more women to deliver in health facilities because the main problem has been addressed,” she said.
