Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Program: Kenyan Spring Protection

Impact: 350 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Dec 2015

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 03/08/2024

Project Features


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Community Profile

This project is a part of our shared program with Western Water and Sanitation Forum (WEWASAFO). Our team is pleased to directly share the below report (edited for clarity, as needed).

Background Information

This unprotected spring is located in Mulianda Village, Ebutsyimi location, Mwibona Ward of Vihiga County. The spring serves a total of 350 people from 50 different households. 70 are men and 280 are women. The spring is used for domestic and agricultural purposes.

Justification

Janepher Opanda Spring is not protected from contaminates; it is affected by run-off and human activity. Since the spring flows through low land, it is especially contaminated by dirty rainwater run-off. This has resulted in constant outbreaks of many water-related illnesses that include flu, typhoid, dysentery and coughs.

The community also lacks sanitation facilities. Many people do not have proper latrines, bathrooms, compost pits, clotheslines, or dish racks. Those that do not have latrines are forced to relieve themselves in the bushes, often near the water source.  The latrines that exist are in very poor condition, so children do not use them for fear of falling through the slats. Concrete sanitation platforms (sanplats) will provide a safer and cleaner way for both adults and children to use the bathroom.

Improvements in both water supply and sanitation are necessary for infant health, and parents look forward to a reduction of infant deaths.

Results of the project:

Spring Protection

Janepher Opanda Spring is now protected and no longer open to contamination. WEWASAFO and the spring beneficiaries expect that cases of water-related illnesses will soon decrease. This fills families with hope; they will no longer spend a large portion of money on treating complications, but will instead use it to pay their children's school fees and invest in their household farms. Safe water not only saves money, but also saves time. The hours spent traveling miles away in search of medical attention will now be turned into productive, economic activities. In the long run, standards of living will improve.

Household Sanitation Platforms

New, effective latrines will prevent further contamination. Five households that did not previously have a latrine dug and constructed within their compounds have received sanitation platforms. These are now in use by a total of 38 beneficiaries. These people who previously had to resort to using the bushes now have a safe and private place to call their own.

Thank You for your gracious partnership that unlocks potential for the people of Janepher Spring.

We're just getting started, check back soon!


Project Photos


Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!


Contributors