A lot of water is lost in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) as
surface runoff. Harvesting of this runoff and storage of the same
into reservoirs such as water pans makes it available for use when
required.
What is a water pan? It is an excavated water storage structure
that is square, rectangular or round, used to impound and retain
surface runoff from uncultivated grounds, roads or laggas. This
helps in retention of run-off rain water, reduction of water
stress, both for consumption and agriculture, reduction of distance
to water source and re-forestation in arid and semi-arid lands,
leading to restoration of water cycle.
The Lions Club of Mombasa Pwani embarked on a community
participation based Water Pan project in the year 2009 and
observing its growing success and benefit to the local communities
in the semi arid area of the Coastal areas of Kenya embarked on
more such projects through partnerships and sponsorships of
Corporates and private foundation lead to more than 14 completed
water pans which now provide water for daily usage and farming to
the local community all year round.
The following water pans are at present completed:
Dambale Water Pan 2009 Donje Water Pan 2011 Kwa Dogo Water Pan
2011 Sponsored by Mr. Hilesh Shah Ganyamaleni Water Pan 2013
Sponsored by Premchandbhai Foundation Bengoni Water Pan 2013
Sponsored by Cummins International In association with Car N
General Ltd Chapungu Earth Dam 2013 Sponsored by Manav Foundation
Wachu Water Pan 2013 Sponsored by Cummins International in
association with Car N General Ltd Kwa Dito Water Pan Sponsored by
Premchandbhai Kachra & Family Kwa Mando (Bamba Road) Water Pan
2013 -Sponsored by Lion Manish Shah Mariango (Bamba Road) Water Pan
- 2013/2014 Kakuluni (Bamba Road) Water Pan 2013/2014 Mdomo
(Samburu Kinango Road) Water Pan 2014 Kilibasi Hills (Kwale) Water
Pan 2014 Matandale Earth Dam (Mtwapa) 2014 Sponsored by Umoja
Rubber Ltd & Mzuri Sweets Ltd
The water pans average current depth is approximately 10ft, it
is 30m X 30m with a wide slope around to hold more water. The wall
linings are constantly being worked on to achieve uniformity and
more volume. With trees and grass planted all around the Dam to
further assist in evaporation reduction, it can hold water for
seven to eight months. A typical water pan provides for an average
of 4,000- 6000 people plus their livestock.
Lions Club of Mombasa Pwani as a part of their environmental and
community based project constantly monitor these pans on regular
visits and indeed the benefits the Local community begets from it.
This indeed has been successful due to the sponsorships from
various donors and well wishers.
LION MAHENDRA C. SHAH & LION GEORGE RUBIRIWATER CONSERVATION
CONVENORS 2013/14
