PROJECT TITLE: Lusiola (LEW-SHOR-AH) Environmental Group Water and Sanitation Project LOCATION: Kenya, Western Province, Vihiga District, Vihiga Division, Mungoma Location, Lusiola Sub-Location, Vigedze (VEE-GAY-ZA) Village SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL: The Lusiola Environmental Group seeks funding for improvements in water quality in Vigedze Village through the installation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems, the protection of 11 community springs, and improvements to latrines. SPECIFIC PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) Installation of rainwater harvesting systems (Ksh 200,750; US$2808) 2) Protection of 11 springs (Ksh. 591,200; US$8211) 3) Improvements of latrines (Ksh 139,200; US$1,933) Ksh = Kenyan Shilling ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF PROJECTS: Ksh. 889,950 (US$12,228) CONTACT PERSONS: Joyce Adisa Bunyoli, Project Coordinator Maragoli Community Development Foundation P. O. Box 40 Vihiga, Kenya Mr. Caleb Ongodi Amadi, Chair Lusiola Environmental Committee P.O. Box 398 Vihiga, Kenya
General Background: Lusiola sub-location is located in the Vihiga District of the Western Province of Kenya, just northeast of Lake Victoria. Situated near the equator, the area is classified as sub-humid tropics, with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. The landscape is comprised of intensely farmed 1-3 acre plots of land, nestled among undulating hills and valleys, and interspersed by a network of small streams. The Maragoli area receives enough rainfall (1800mm) via the “long rains” (March to June) and “short rains” (September to December) to support a variety of subsistence (maize, bananas, beans, cassava, kale) and cash crops (tea, coffee), as well as livestock (cattle, goats, chickens). Remittances from kin who work in the cities are also a major source of income for community members. According to the 1999 Population Census, the Vihiga District has one of the highest population growth rates in Kenya (3.3%);