"Ben, the plastic tank is almost running dry," my wife says in a low-spirited voice.
I stare at the laptop's screen, my fingers paused on the keyboard as I digest the news.
"If we don't get some more water, many of the children under the age of five will die," she says.
I look up at her and am struck at how fast she has become old. Her position as the woman representative for Ruiru Constituency had worn her out as she has to continuously fight for the rights of women and children during her five-year term.
"If this situation doesn't improve sooner, we're going to experience a high rate of waterborne diseases. And the most affected will be children. That, is a death sentence to them."
I let out a sigh. "We'll have to stick with our project. Even though our project consists of seven members, I'm confident we will find a lasting solution to this saddening situation."
"Any new development from the county or central government?" I ask her.
"The Central government has sent several large trucks carrying hundreds of liters of water. They are expected to reach us within a day or two."
"That's good news. It will assist us in small ways for the time being."
"Yah," she says. "Have the donors you had targeted responded in any way?"
"Today a wealthy businessman from England and two foreign NGOs emailed me, expressing their interest."
Her sad face brightened a little.
"I am awaiting positive news from two other foreign NGOs," I told her, consolingly. "Once they start donating to 'Ruiru: Water for All, Leaving No One Behind' campaign I'm sure the large reservoir won't be just a dream anymore. It will provide a continuous supply of water to our people. However, it will take some months to complete the construction of the water reservoir."
I waved the idea lightly aside. "For now, let's see what we can do as we wait for the trucks."
As a geological professor at Kings College, I knew something had to be done to minimize the effects of water scarcity. One can't rely on the government always - especially when it is laden with debts to pay and other grave national issues.
The effects of water crisis are drastic as has been witnessed in my locality. It is estimated fifteen people, ten children under the age of five and five elderly people, have died during the past few months due to acute water shortage - with hundreds of cattle dead all over the region.
Schools have been closed as teachers and students can't work and learn in an environment lacking water.
I had distributed water to some families but with the less we're left with, it's hard to donate some more water.
"How about sending some help in the social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and setting a mobile transfer account, Mpesa, for people to send their contribution?"
"Good idea," I tell her.
"You can say, 'Please trucks, we are waiting for you to bring us water! Please kind hearted people in the world, we are waiting for you to show your kindness!
The message will reach both the county and central government, the people and the world.'"
I looked at her admiringly. I have always adored her vitality and the need to help others in need.
YOU ARE READING
Ruiru: Water For All, Leaving No One Behind
RandomThis is my 500 word story on World Water Day 2019 themed 'Water for All, Leaving No One behind' as an entry for the 5th Writing Project (2nd Writing Project on Water Day) organized and coordinated by Chinthaka Nanayakkara - who was a former Brand Am...