SUCCESS STORY: Distribution of Handwashing Stations in 10 Markets.
After a year of the pandemic and consistent toiling of medical specialists globally, various vaccines were rolled out to assist in the efforts against covid 19. Unfortunately, majority of the citizens living in the informal settlements we focused on (Manyatta B and Nyalenda B) were not onboard with getting the vaccines for one reason or another therefore making it necessary for them to adhere to the initial guidelines the government had put in place. In order to safeguard the health of both the vaccinated and unvaccinated, we formulated a strategy to establish 10 handwashing stations (5 stations in five markets in both settlements) to promote hand sanitation.
Ms. Josephine Andrea, who earns a living as butcher, has been a resident of the manyatta B settlement for the past 17 years. Her butchery is located in Kaego, one of the 5 markets in the settlement. With the people’s livelihood being strained as a result of the pandemic, her business was sorely affected prompting her to find a means to ease the situation hence her collaboration with us (Winamgrassroots & Oxfam) as one of the 5 individuals overseeing the operation of the handwashing stations.
Ms. Josephine made us aware that mostly men (those in construction, jua kali artisans, touts, mechanics and motorists) weren’t washing their hands and despite that were still highly adamant to go for the vaccines. She also pointed out that they were the people who interacted with a lot of people making them the best candidates to not only contract but also spread the virus, she said, “hawa wanaume ndio wanatembea kila mahali lakini hawanawi na ukiwaambie waende chanjo pia wanakataa” [these men are the ones who walk around everywhere but don’t wash their hands and if you tell them to go for the vaccine they refuse].
Through our collaboration with Ms. Josephine, we were able to determine the most suitable point in the market to establish the hand washing station while also sourcing for a water vendor to be filling the water tank. We also ensured that we provided soap which we would continue refilling for the period of the project. Over the duration of the project, Ms. Josephine told us that a better part of the population at Koego market accessed the handwashing station. She said that the initiative also acted as a source of inspiration as the person in charge of the market even seeked out more stations to reduce the traffic on the one we provided. She also thanked us for providing a steady source of income to the water vendor (who was paid on a weekly basis), she said, “kwanza huyu mtu wetu wa maji amefurahi sana na hii project, alikuwa anasema hata mtuongeze station zingine ndio apate kuuza maji zaidi” [first of all the water vendor is very happy about this project, he was even requesting if you (us) could add more stations so he could supply more water]. She also pointed out how it had improved the general hygiene in the area as she had observed that many people would now wash their hands before indulging in the street foods.