Nairobi Dam/Reservoir Conversation Project - Stage 1
$550,000.00 Donation Goal Project Details Nairobi Dam Conservation Project - Stage 1 Master Plan
Overview This plan by ETCO focuses on restoring the Nairobi Dam and its tributaries through sustainable waste management, pollution reduction, and community empowerment. The goal is to improve environmental health and community well-being while fostering economic opportunities.
Historical Background Built in the 1950s, Nairobi Dam was a source of clean water and a hub for activities like sailing, swimming, and fishing. Over time, its condition deteriorated due to neglect and uncontrolled waste, turning it into a public health hazard.
Challenges The dam and tributaries are plagued by solid waste pollution, leading to regular flooding, disease outbreaks (cholera, malaria, bilharzia), and poor water quality. This degradation has disrupted urban farming and rendered bridges unsafe.
Phase 1: Problem Identification and Community Mobilization 1. Solid Waste Assessment - We've identified major pollution sources, particularly in Kibera Slums, to target interventions effectively.
2. Community Awareness - We endeavour to sensitize residents on the importance of proper waste disposal through education and outreach campaigns.
3. Partnership Building - Collaborate with local and international partners to strengthen project support.
Key Milestones: - Reduced flooding and improved water flow through community-led cleanups. - Built stronger networks with local and international organizations and stakeholders.
Phase 2: Waste Management Solutions 1. Waste Trap Installation -We plan install concrete barriers with fiber nets along the rivers to capture solid waste upstream (based on engineer's designs) and some temporary waste disposal points in strategic areas in Kibera Slums.
2. Regular Cleanup Events - We continue to engage communities members and partners in systematic waste removal from riverbanks & waterways.
3. Tree Planting and Urban Greening - We continue to implement erosion prevention measures through tree planting and promote sustainable urban farming with composting initiatives.
Key Milestones: - Trained and engaged at least 200 youths per year in waste management and conservation efforts. - Create employment opportunities for local residents.
Phase 3: Economic Sustainability 1. Value Creation from Waste - We endeavour to develop systems for sorting, recycling, and upcycling waste into economically viable products.
2. Job Creation - We aim at supporting local entrepreneurs on repurposing and/or recycling-related businesses to empower women and youth.
Key Milestones: - Educated the public on the benefits of clean rivers. - Established community-led monitoring systems to ensure long-term vigilance.
Phase 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research 1. Waste Trap Maintenance - Regular inspection and maintenance to ensure efficiency.
2. Research and Pollution Mapping - Ongoing studies to identify and address pollution hotspots.
3. Stakeholder Reviews - Periodic evaluations to align activities with community and environmental objectives.
Key Milestones: - Developed a long-term plan integrating ecological restoration with community benefits. - Ensured organized displacements or evictions/evacuation during project execution.
Phase 5: Long-Term Impact 1. Nairobi Dam Revitalization - Our project will lead to restored rivers and the dam to enable recreational activities and boost tourism.
2. Scaling Up - Replicated successful strategies across other rivers upstream and downstream within the Nairobi Rivers and beyond.
Next Steps: - Collaborate with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally to scale up efforts. - Maintain active communication with community members to ensure shared ownership and sustainability.
Problem Statement The Nairobi Dam is severely polluted, suffering from solid waste accumulation, sedimentation, and poor waste management. These issues have caused deaths, disease outbreaks, flooding, and property damage, turning the dam into a health and environmental hazard.
Proposed Solutions 1. Clearing Waterways - Regular waste removal to restore smooth water flow and prevent backflow issues.
2. Community Education - Conduct awareness programs on the importance of clean water and proper waste management.
3. Resource Mobilization - Secure technical and financial support through partnerships with local and international organizations.
4. Economic Integration - Incorporate waste management into socio-economic initiatives to provide jobs and promote eco-tourism.
Conclusions ETCO’s project addresses the root causes of Nairobi Dam’s degradation by integrating community engagement, resource mobilization, and sustainability. Restoring the dam will enable recreational activities, boost tourism, and create socio-economic opportunities.
Key objectives include: - Clearing tributaries to prevent solid waste from entering the dam. - Mitigating disease outbreaks and property damage caused by flooding. - Transforming the dam into a tourist attraction to benefit the local and national economy.
By starting with specific tributaries, ETCO aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, eventually scaling up efforts across the Ngong Rivers and other regions. The initiative emphasizes community ownership, ensuring environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Project Location Soweto East, Nyayo Highrise Ward, Lang'ata Constituency. 30124 - 00100, Nairobi, Nairobi Municipality 30124 - 00100 Kenya. This project by ETCO - EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY