Initiative is part of a global drive to improve access to water in the
world.
Living Water International (Living Water), a
Christian International NGO with offices in Houston, Texas, plans to boost its
activities in Kenya by providing an estimated 200,000 people with safe drinking
water at over US$ 4 Million (Ksh. 348 M) for the next three years.
Living Water President
and CEO, Michael J. Mantel, PhD, said that his organisation was committed to
uplifting the lives of millions of people across the world who lack access to
safe water. “Water brings more than life; it brings Hope. Safe water is the
foundation of life and without it, there is no hope. All this we do as an act
of worship to God in line with our value; Honor God,” said Mantel.
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| _Living Water International President and CEO Dr.Mike Mantel offers a helping hand |
He was speaking at a
luncheon hosted by Living Water Service Centre, the Kenyan official subsidiary
of Living Water, in Nairobi for leading Business, Donor, NGO and Church Community
leaders, to discuss initiatives aimed at supporting more Kenyans to access to
safe water.
Globally, it is
estimated that over 783 million people do not have access to safe drinking
water, most of whom reside in the developing world. Kenya’s population suffers
this affliction, with about 13 million people lacking access to safe, reliable
water sources. In Kenya, Living Water has funded over 698 projects since it
started Christian Ministry work in 1990.
Mr Mantel emphasized
that investing in water access was vital to strengthening communities and
improving the general welfare of society. “Each dollar invested in water and
sanitation initiatives yields at least four dollars in recovered time,
productivity and health care savings” added Mr. Mantel, who is on a 3 day visit
to Kenya, during which he will tour various projects spearheaded by its Kenyan subsidiary,
Living Water Service Centre.
Living Water has
helped needy communities gain access to safe drinking water, some for the first
time, for more than 20 years. The organization’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
initiatives are designed to empower communities to educate themselves, prevent
disease and keep water safe from collection up to consumption, freeing up
community resources for development purposes.
The
Kenya operation, Living Water Service Centre, has a mission to ensure “Kenyans experience
the love of Christ and holistic living” by facilitating community access to
water, promoting hygiene and sanitation, working with local churches and
ministries in evangelism and discipleship, empowering communities and
institution for ownership and influencing policies on Water, Hygiene and Sanitation
and Christian witness.
“We are in the first year of Living Water Service
Centre’s three year strategic plan and are on track to double our growth and
impact in alignment with the Living Water Global Strategy” the Country
Director, Jacktone Akelo, stated. The organization has increased the number of
WASH programmes and hygiene education
at churches, schools and clinics in Butere and Kisumu East Districts, among
others. This has led to increased engagement and community ownership. Living
Water Service Centre is set to complete drilling of 45 wells this year, in line
with the Strategic Plan (2013-2015).
Living Water Africa
Region, the Nairobi based operation is leading the Africa continent on behalf
of Living Water. It exists to demonstrate the love of God for humanity,
providing leadership to 15 countries, including Kenya. “As an organization, our
goal is to enable individuals and communities in Africa to experience “Living
Water”- the gospel of Jesus Christ which alone, satisfies the deepest thirst”
This, Living Water Africa Region achieves by promoting governance,
accountability and providing guidance to all countries in Africa receiving
Living Water resources.
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