Residents of slum areas in Nakuru County have a reason to smile following a partnership between Stanbic Bank and the Rotary Club that will see them supplied with hand washing tanks to avert the spread of COVID-19.
The over 30 tanks will be staioned at various points among them markets to ensure residents maintain sanitation during this period of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Stanbic Bank Nakuru Branch Manager Leonard Surmat, the move aimed at ensuring that every citizen is safe during this pandemic.
Addressing media in Nakuru town during the handing over of the tanks to the beneficiaries, the Stanbic Branch Manager said the move will also strengthen the health sector.
“Our response to fighting the COVID-19 virus will not only help individuals and families during this period, but it will also help strengthen the public health system in the whole run” he said.
He called on Kenyans and other stakeholders to continue working together adding that it is only through collaboration that COVID-19 shall be defeated.
The Stanbic Bank Nakuru Branch Manager also revealing that through their DADA program, they have been able to reach women and children to cushion them from the pandemic.
Lucy Wambui working with Community at Gioto dumpsite says the water issue is still a challenge.
She however says they have been working closely with Stakeholders to ensure water supply.
Sentiments echoed by Joseph Kariuki from Weevers Market who says the market has had a challenge in terms of access to water.
The script is sane for Rajab Langoi- a village elder from Rhonda.
He is grateful for Rotary club and Stanbic Foundation for stepping in to the aid of slum dwellers.
He says this is a plus towards fighting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been going through a lot at community level. But we are grateful for Stanbic Foundation and Rotary club for stepping in” he said.
Joab Okello from Rotary Club Nakuru says the partnership will see hand washing tanks distributed to slum areas in Nakuru County.
According to Okello, since the COVID-19 pandemic, as Rotary they have been partnering with various Stakeholders to ensure no spread.
“We have also been sensitizing the residents in slum areas on adherence to the Ministry of Health guidelines so as to avert the spread of covid-19” he says.
Similar sentiments echoed by Mercy Daudi from Stanbic Foundation who says locals in slum areas have been going through the challenge of water shortage.
She is however quick to note that Stanbic Foundation and Rotary club will work closely to ensure that the more tanks distributed have water all the time.
“We are working in partnership with the Rotary Club to see to it that the locals in slum areas have water for washing hands so that they can avert spread of the COVID-19.Through Lotary we shall continue to monitor how the tanks are being used” she said.