A new borehole and water tank now stand at Shimo la Tewa Medium Prison in Mombasa, providing a reliable source of clean water for inmates and staff.
The water project was officially handed over on 6 June as volunteers from the Dawoodi Bohra community joined prison staff and inmates to mark World Environment Day through a large-scale environmental and community service initiative.
Organised under Project Rise, the community’s global philanthropic initiative, the programme included the handover of the water project, the planting of 1,000 fruit-bearing trees across the prison grounds, and a meal service for approximately 650 inmates.
This is the second prison outreach initiative undertaken by the community, following the opening of a library at Mombasa Remand Prison last year.
“The availability of water influences everything inside a prison,” said a prison official during the handover ceremony. “This project will make a meaningful difference to daily operations and to the wellbeing of the people who live and work here.”
Alongside the water project, volunteers spent the morning planting fruit-bearing trees across the prison grounds. Together they dug planting pits, watered young trees, and prepared the grounds for their long-term growth.
Beyond increasing green cover, the trees are expected to contribute to a healthier environment within the prison while supporting broader conservation efforts.
The prison authorities appreciated the community’s gesture of support. Knowing that the borehole will help them address ongoing water challenges made this effort even more rewarding.
Shabbir Kassamali, Project Rise volunteer
The day concluded with volunteers serving meals, creating an opportunity for meaningful interaction beyond the morning’s activities.
“Our engagement with correctional institutions is guided by the belief that every person deserves opportunities for growth,” said Murtaza Rangwalla, a Project Rise volunteer. “Whether it is access to water, education, or environmental initiatives, we hope to contribute positively to the communities around us.”