Covid-19: Nakuru Gioto dumpsite families receive face masks

More than 200 families at the Gioto dumpsite on the outskirts of Nakuru town have been incorporated in the fight against the spread of coronavirus.

The families who live in the 42 acres dumpsite received water and hand sanitisers on Friday.

The families were also served breakfast by well-wishers who were shocked by the pathetic living conditions at the dumpsite.

“This [coronavirus] pandemic is a blessing in disguise to us as we have received water tanks, hand sanitisers, soaps and something to eat and drink. We shall practice social distancing in our work station,” said a resident of Gioto on Friday.

“We rarely get visitors who give us food and clean water and we thank the well-wishers for thinking about our plight,” said another Gioto resident.

The Rotary Club of Nakuru led by Ms Rani Ramchandani and Mr Joab Jobama Okello in collaboration with Gilanis Supermarket provided the families with a 2,500 litres water tank, hand washing soap and face masks.
“As Rotary Club of Nakuru we were touched by the plight of the Gioto dumpsite families who are struggling to eke a living by risking their lives in such horrible conditions and that is why we decided to support them,” said Ms Ramchandani.

She added: “We were inspired by the resilience of these families who are working hard instead of begging or indulging in criminal activities.”

Some of the Gioto residents live in roofless makeshift shelters made of cartons and gunny bags.

“Some residents sleep on cold earth floor with their babies,” said Ms Ramchandani.
She said the members of the Rotary Club donated roofing materials to enable Gioto dumpsite residents erect decent temporary shelters.

“Our next project will be to provide the families with roofing materials and every member of the group that visited the dumpsite has pledged to buy at least one iron sheet,” said Ms Ramchandani.