Structures exist wherever there is space, with no thought of access for vehicles or even a breeze. Most of the time a visitor either has to duck or walk sideways. The only evidence that city authorities have noticed the community's plight are two public toilets whose systems collapsed long ago. The refuse everywhere, the excreta by the stream and the flies hovering over uncovered food items on sale give an indication of the problem at hand. There is no electricity, and the source of clean water is a tap owned by individuals who open it to those who have money.
Prices depend on the supply.
With DAN's help, a programme has been put into place to improve sanitation and reduce the incidence of disease. Thanks to the daily clearing, barefoot children have less risk of picking up diseases. The incidence of dysentery, diarrhoea and worms has been reduced by at least 30 per cent in recent months, says Pontianus M. Nthuli who oversees DAN's training wing. A child health monitoring project has improved the chances of survival of children in Mathare. Mothers have learned to weigh their children regularly as a way of monitoring their health.