A new solar-powered borehole in Kanduti, Kitui County has been unveiled today saving residents from an over-10-kilometre walk in search of water, thanks to betPawa.

The 300-feet newly drilled borehole is set to serve over 3,000 residents around the area, who previously depended on a seasonal river. The project was established as part of the second season of the betPawa Dream Maker campaign.

“This is a win for the Kanduti community. I am grateful to the entire betPawa team and everyone involved in making this dream come true,” said Sammy Mwanza.

Mwanza wanted to set up a borehole for his community but had not been able to raise enough funds to get the project done.

In celebration of the new borehole, Mwanza was gifted 70 seedlings by the community to plant, as part of efforts to conserve the environment and attract rain in the area.

Dream Maker is a campaign by betPawa aimed at helping people realise their aspirations that are helpful to the wider community as part of giving back to society.

It offers people from all walks of life the opportunity to bring their BIGGEST dreams to life by submitting their proposals to betPawa either online through the Dream Maker website or offline whereby the brand’s team tours various areas to hear people’s dreams.

“It takes a very special person to think about the community. I thank Sammy for making it all about his community with such a transformative dream. We are honoured to actualise this dream for the people of Kanduti,” said betPawa’s Country Marketing Manager Simon Mwangi.

The campaign, which started in 2021, has to date received over 15,000 proposals outlining various dreams in the areas of sports, business and social projects.

Besides drilling the borehole, the project entailed construction of a structure to support a 10,000-litre water tank, pumps and piping system as well as solar panels to power the pump.

“When I got married here, I almost ran away from this village because of water issues. We used to borrow donkeys from different families to fetch as much water as possible to avoid making the long distance to the river frequently. It was so hectic!” lamented Fridah Charles, a resident.

The centrally located borehole will be easily accessible to the Kanduti community and is expected to supply water to various facilities including a polytechnic, a high school, a primary school, a public health centre and the area chief’s residence.

Kanduti Ward Administrator Alex Kilunda said: “Women here have suffered back problems because of carrying water jerry cans for long distances. Thanks to betPawa, that will no longer be an issue.”