Oct 23 2009
Two Earthen Dams Officially Launch "Give a Dam" Program
In Our Own Quiet Way (Quiet Way), a global non-profit organization dedicated to helping impoverished or underdeveloped regions around the world develop practical, long-term solutions, today announced it has broken ground on two earthen dams to relieve drought conditions in Milaika and Hillside, Kibwezi district, Kenya. Together with its first two corporate partners, Rosenberg Associates, a full-service civil engineering firm in St. George, Utah, and ActionProfiles.com, a leading "rider owned and operated" Action Sports Network, the Quiet Way "Give a Dam" project plans to build over 1,000 earthen dams in Kenya during the next decade.
"Breaking ground on these two dams is the beginning of a snowball effect," said Quiet Way Executive Director Ron Hatfield. "This 'Give a Dam' project will significantly change the lives and the ecosystem of the Northeastern part of Kenya for a long time. It's a marvelous thing to be a part of," he said.
Located between Kiboko and the gates of Tsavo National Park, Milaika and Hillside are home to more than 250 thousand people, millions of wildlife and domestic animals. This 7,125 square-mile area hasn't seen rain for 16 months, putting humans and animals at risk of becoming sick and dying.
Currently, the local population in Kenya digs temporary wells to a rough depth of 30 feet. These boreholes dry up quickly and end up negatively impacting the local water table.
Alternatively, dams provide a permanent resource. They fill quickly during scarce monsoon seasons, raise the water table and save the lives of humans and animals alike.
These first two dams will be 12-15 acres and will provide water for wildlife and approximately 2,000 people in ten villages. Quiet Way broke ground last week on these dams to prepare for the monsoons, understanding that water brings life and a lasting economic change for local villagers. Once functioning, these dams will be accessible to schools and local mothers, who won't need to leave their children unattended as they walk for three hours to get water.
The dams are engineered by and will be constructed by local Kenyan firms. Jason Draper, a civil engineer with Rosenberg Associates who is volunteering with Quiet Way, will oversee construction. Draper will also train teams of people to keep the water safe, clean and secure.
"I'm excited to be a part of this great initiative," said Draper. "With the proper training, the Kenyans can use these dams for most of their water needs for years to come," he said.
Construction of the Hillside dam started through the efforts of Shawn Vierra, Jesse DenHerder and Kye Tanner, the owners of ActionProfiles.com. In August, 2009, Vierra and Tanner spent two weeks in Kenya serving in these rural communities.
"My life changed the moment that I saw the people of Hillside Village and their every-day living conditions," said Vierra.
"I decided then and there that I would do whatever I could to help improve the Kenyan way of life. 'Give a Dam' is the perfect platform for me and ActionProfiles.com to make a positive difference!" he said. The three partners have also created a line of African-themed wakeboards, t-shirts and long boards that will be sold to raise money for the Give a Dam project.
Source: http://quietway.org/