Five primary schools in Kiharu constituency are earmarked to benefit with mega water tanks by early next year with aim to boost sanitation and accessibility of clean drinking water.
Construction of the tanks have kicked off and will ensure the learning institutions have enough water to improve sanitation in the schools and among students as the country to contain Covid-19 pandemic.
An American-based charity organization, Can-Do-Kids through its Kenyan Patron Engineer Karanja Wamatangi, has set aside Sh. 6 million which will see each school get a 300,000-litre water tank.
On Tuesday, Wamatangi led representatives of the charity organization and the schools’ fraternity to launch construction of the tanks expected to take a month to be completed.
The five primary schools include Kahuhia, Mirichu, Kahithe, Rurii and Kambirwa.
Once the tanks are completed, Can-Do-Kids will have done a total of 47 tanks in schools within Kiharu constituency.
Availability of water in the schools, Wamatangi said will boost sanitation and relief learners from the hustle of going to school with water jerricans.
He instructed the contractors to fast track construction of the tanks before reopening of schools which is slated for January 4, next year.
“The tanks will ensure learners have access to water for drinking, regularly washing of their hands and also cleaning of their classrooms. With improved sanitation, it will help in containing the spread of coronavirus,” said Wamatangi during the grounding breaking for the tank at Kahuhia primary school.
The philanthropist further said he will supervise the construction works to ensure the tanks are completed in the stipulated time.
Meanwhile, the patron said Can-Do-Kids will continue complementing the government’s efforts in the fight against Covid-19 disease especially in schools.
The organization, has been donating facemasks to learners with Wamatangi promising to continue donating masks to more learners when the schools reopens next year.
“The fight against Covid-19 pandemic needs concerted efforts by all stakeholders, as a charity organization we will continue supporting the government especially in distribution of facemasks to learners.
“Once schools reopen next year, demand of masks will be high and on our part we will try to provide mask to students as much as we can”, he further said.
By Bernard Munyao