A Year Later: Dreams Within Sight!

Jacob Saidi, 53, recalled what life was like in the Namanja Community before her community's spring was protected last year.

"The major problem was drinking contaminated water, which could affect our health because water was exposed to disease-causing microorganisms. We used [to] spend a lot of our resources seeking medication [for] waterborne and water-related ailments. Besides that, we used to waste much of our time [at the] waterpoint during dry spells. It was very hectic and time-consuming. [The] water drawn was not clean as sometimes we used to collect water from a pool of water using a bowl. So any time rain stopped, water in the spring also reduced because of poor workmanship and little know-how on spring construction," Jacob shared.

Collecting water is now less concerning for Jacob and the other community members in Namanja.

Jacob at the spring.

When Jacob was asked what had improved since the spring's protection, he was eager to share his own personal improvements! "Currently, [I] am not prone to waterborne diseases as before because [I] am accessing safe, clean water. The implementation of this waterpoint made me concentrate on agricultural activities, as I don't waste my resources seeking treatment for waterborne ailments as before. During short rains (the dry season), [I] managed to plant some cassava stems and bananas using water from the constructed waterpoint."

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for Jacob, allowing him to focus on his livelihood. He now has the chance to grow his farm and his dreams!

Jacob in his fields.

"The water point has helped me greatly engage [in] agricultural activities. I have a number of cattle which get drinking water from the waterpoint. Besides that, the waterpoint helped me [during] short rains [to] get water for planting plants like cassava, vegetables, and even bananas. My dream is to do major agribusiness on my land, and it is very achievable with [a] reliable water source like this one of ours," Jacob concluded.

Jacob inspects the fruits of his labor.