The Korogocho slum was
established in the mid sixties; the name means ‘empty’ or ‘worthless’.
A dumping ground for rejects and outcasts it is also a haven
for many Somali and other refugees. The houses here are of
a similar construction to those at Mathare, but on the opposite
side of the valley lies the Nairobi city dump which, incredibly
is in itself a village called Mukuru.
Twenty acres of burning, stinking rubbish
where hundreds of people live on a mountainside of garbage,
scavenging for recycling materials. In the daytime, Korogocho
is a warm and welcoming place with lots of friendly smiles
and waves. As dusk approaches, this community takes on a very
different profile. The atmosphere is oppressive and truculent
people observe Musungu (white man) with sullen, silent scrutiny.
Peta Broadfoot is married to the British
Army Commander, Kenya. A magnificent lady whose humanitarian
trigger was fired long ago, she has been working with the staff
of St John’s non-formal School, Korogocho for years. Much
had been accomplished through her influence however, the prospect
of a dedicated team of servicemen undertaking work here was
too good an opportunity for Peta to miss. She explained that
in addition to the absence of general maintenance, one of the
major problems was the lack of a reliable water supply.
In times of drought when water conservation
becomes essential, it is the communities like Korogocho that
have their mains water supply terminated first. Once water
levels are re-established, areas like Korogocho are the last
communities to have mains water restored. The water supply
at St Johns School comprised one standpipe which was constantly
under surveillance by the School Caretaker to ensure that this
precious fluid was not squandered. When not in use the tap,
which was enclosed in a re-enforced concrete cabinet, would
be firmly secured with a padlock. A plan was formulated, funding
was found and work began.
Project Albert 2001 installed a 10,000 litre
mains fed water tank and then encased it in a screeded, block
work surround. Over 100 metres of galvanised guttering was
hung which channeled rainwater into another, filtered 5,000
litre holding tank; this was also block worked and screeded.
An ocean of paint was sprayed, rolled and brushed over classroom
interiors and exteriors wherever it was needed. Blackboards
were rejuvenated, internal and external walls were rendered,
more paint was applied (Chris Rowley is convinced it was all
applied by him) and a 12 ft high 30 metre fence was erected.
As our work neared completion a handover ceremony
had been arranged during which we were treated to some of the
most fabulous African rhythms and perfectly pitched harmonies
I have ever heard. Peta visited the site a few days before
the ceremony. She expressed her gratitude for what Project
Albert 2001 had accomplished and described how difficult it
had been to really make a difference to a place like St John’s.
Mid-sentence, Peta’s composure faltered; no more words
were necessary. |
