PACE Water Project Background
More than 2.6 billion people-forty per cent of the world's population-lack basic sanitation facilities, and over one billion people still use unsafe drinking water sources. As a result, 3.1 million die every year from diarrhea and other water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases and many more suffer and are weakened by illness. The UN claims that 1.6 million could be saved if they had safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. In rural sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls walk as far as 9 kilometres ( 5.5 miles) each day to gather water for their families
A view of the river where PACE collects
water
Presently, Pace Ministries, and the
community around Pace obtains their water from a local river. The quality and quantity of this water is determined by the rains. At Pace, this often muddy water is stored in tanks where, over time, the sediment falls to the bottom of the tank. Water is pulled off the top through a system of pipes to the kitchen and various washing sites on campus. When the rains fall, water is also harvested from roofs through an intricate rain catchment system. However, neither system is able to provide an adequate supply and quality of water, especially during the dry season. The high number of diarrhea cases suggest that even when available, the water supply is less than desirable.
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Tap water at the PACE compound the day after a rainfall |
 Water catchment system off the roof of one classroom |
Drilling in the local deep river bed will provide a regular supply of fresh water for the people of rural Nyahururu at a reasonable cost. At 2 Ksh for 20 liters the average family might spend up to 42 Ksh ($0.56USD) for a week's worth of water. (Note: The average income in Kenya is approximately 1,610 Ksh or $23USD per week.)
Our research into the well construction has produced several quotes for building a water procurement system. The total bill ranges from $20,000 to $33,000 US Dollars. To drill and equip the 150 meter well will be an estimated $16,000.00 USD. Once the well is operational, Pace will look into constructing a tower closer to the well to house several large tanks. Until then, the present tank system will be used. Much of the required plumbing to service the existing buildings is already installed. An additional $4000 USD would facilitate the building of the tower, the tank and any additional plumbing.
The current water holding tanks located several hundred meters
from the proposed well site.
This physical well, will not only provide "water for life", but make Pace a community destination. As the residents of rural Nyahururu come to Pace for nourishment, they will also be exposed to the "Living Water" that Jesus offers. (John 4:10)
Partner with us
Without a joint venture, these staggering costs would make fresh, clean water inaccessible to this community. Through your financial contributions toward this gift of water, you can join together with PACE to serve the people of Kenya and honour the living God.
US DONATIONS
Contributions to PACE Ministries are tax-deductible. Cheques can be made to "PACE Ministries". Please include a special note to indicate that you would like your donation to go to the PACE WATER PROJECT.Mail donations to:
PACE Ministries c/o Rosedale Baptist Church
14179 Evergreen
Detroit, MI 48223
USA
You may also make a donation online by clicking the button below. Follow the instructions to make a secure, online donation. Be sure to mark the donation to "PACE WATER PROJECT" in the notes line.
(Please note that PayPal charges PACE Ministries a 3% administration fee for donations made online, so by sending a check, more of your money will actually reach PACE).
CANADIAN DONATIONS
Identify the donations to the 'PACE WATER PROJECT" and send the cheque (or call in a credit card):
MATE/FCC - PACE Well Project
461 Esna Park Dr., Unit 19
Markham, ON M1W 3Y9
(Please note there will be an administrative overhead cost of 10% if by cheque and 13% if by credit card)