At Water Tight Canberra, we spend our days solving plumbing problems across the ACT—but recently, we had the opportunity to support a project where plumbing became something far more powerful.
Between Christmas 2024 and February 2025, we proudly joined as a major sponsor of the Maasai Mammas Toilet & Washroom Project in Amboseli, Kenya—a grassroots initiative led by the incredible team at Urban Rewild, founded by Sharlene Cohen.
With our donation, alongside contributions from Omni IP and other supporters, the project transformed from a simple idea into something remarkable in just a few weeks.
What Was Achieved
Thanks to the combined efforts of the community and generous donors, the project delivered:
- A flushing toilet—the first in the Manyatta community
- Fully tiled private washrooms for safe and dignified bathing
- A 2,500L water tank to ensure consistent water access
- Solar-powered lighting for safety at night
- A bold wildlife mural and signage promoting conservation and pride
Beyond infrastructure, the real impact has been deeply human. Many of the Mammas had never used a flushing toilet before. Sharlene shared the joy of teaching them how to sit, flush, and use this basic amenity—something we often take for granted. The teenage girls and boys embraced the change, and the private washrooms have become a safe, hygienic refuge that supports both dignity and health.
Previously, women and children would have to venture into the bush at night to relieve themselves—facing the very real risk of encountering elephants or lions. This simple, beautiful structure has changed that forever.
Powered by Urban Rewild & Sharlene Cohen
The project was made possible through Urban Rewild, a not-for-profit dedicated to regeneration, conservation, and community empowerment. Founded and led by Sharlene Cohen, Urban Rewild is doing remarkable work across East Africa—connecting donors to transparent, results-driven projects with real-world impact.
Sharlene brought this project to life with passion and care—managing construction, community engagement, and coordination on the ground. It’s thanks to her vision and drive that our sponsorship dollars had such a visible and immediate impact.
She also happens to be the Director of Surety Property, one of the most trusted names in home building inspections across NSW and the ACT. At Water Tight Canberra, we regularly recommend Surety Property to homeowners looking for expert advice during the buying or building process. Sharlene brings the same integrity and attention to detail to both her businesses—and we’re proud to be aligned with her.
Learn more about her charity work at Urban Rewild.
Why We Got Involved
At Water Tight Canberra, we believe plumbing is about more than pipes—it’s about people.
When we heard about this project, we saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Clean water, sanitation, and dignity should be universal—and being able to offer that to a community of women and children on the other side of the world was a no-brainer for us.
Watch the Celebration 🎥
The final celebration video captures the joy, pride, and transformation this project brought to the community:
📹 Watch the video here »
What’s Next?
This was just the first step. Urban Rewild and the Maasai Mammas have plans to expand into sustainable water infrastructure, eco-tourism (via a cultural jewellery house), sustainable farming, and more.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on what comes next—and looking for future ways we can contribute to real, community-led change.
Where there is love, there is hope.
– The Maasai Mammas
