Boya Gets a Boost

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USAID is providing Boya residents with easier access to clean water
Date Published: 
September 13, 2010
A clean and health water source.
"The project has reduced water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery because the water supplied is treated and is therefore clean."
Clarise Aduma, a member of the Boya Water Project Management Committee

Established in 1975, Boya Water Project, with a single borehole, served the people in Boya , Nyanza Province, for over 35years. While beneficial to many, it could not fully meet the water needs of people throughout the area.

In 2006, the next Boya Water Project, implemented by Water Partners International Kenya and their partner Sustainable Aid in Africa (SANA), was funded by USAID. With USAID-SANA assistance, the project has established a more efficient water distribution system with elevated tanks and is now able to supply water to a wider community, schools and hospitals being the newest beneficiaries.

The community has benefited significantly, says Clarise Aduma, a member of the Boya Water Project Management Committee. “We really appreciated the constant supply of water, as opposed to before, when the water lines could not serve us all with water at the same time.

USAID water sanitation projects increase access to improved water supplies. Water provided is potable as it is tested to ensure safety. “The project has reduced water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery because the water supplied is treated and is therefore clean.” She added.

Clarise notes with pride the area’s increased economic activity and attributes this change to the improved health of people in the area and the easy access to water. Project members, young and old, are being trained to manage the water system.