Challenges
Ngare Sero forest stream is a vital water source on Mount Meru and a part of the Pangani river catchment. Small forest-fed springs situated above our level are now insufficient for the growing population.
At present, not all the communities have water pipes close to their home and so come on foot from afar to collect water from the Ngare Sero springs and reservoir and carry it back up-hill to their homes. There is an environmental risk of pollution, contamination, forest cutting and poaching due to the large number of people coming to the water source. People are washing their laundry with detergent.
Tracks of people coming to the springs to collect water run down the steep slopes and encourage erosion and silting that damages the forest.
Water Project
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge has been looking after the springs and the forest for all users for almost 40 years. In order to protect the forest and the water quality we have started a long term Ngare Sero Forest Reserve Conservation Program in collaboration with government authorities, the village and our loyal guests.
For the north-east side we constructed a new dam with a hydro-turbine water pump and laid a new 3 km pipeline. Water is pumped to a previously build tank at the health centre in Juakali village and to two new tanks at the schools.
On our west side we increased the volume of water supply by pumping water utilizing the turbine through existing pipelines to new storage tanks. We installed three stand pipes along our forest boundary.
The Lodge purchased a portion of land surrounding the springs to extend the forest reserve, replant indigenous trees and to further protect the springs from erosion and pollution.
The Lodge hired watchmen to physically protect the forest and water.