A Year Later: Faster and safer water collection!

The people of Chiliva used to waste their valuable time waiting in long lines to collect water for their daily needs since everyone had to carefully and slowly scoop water with a jug from Elphas Omworo Spring. But it didn't matter how careful they were; the water they collected was still contaminated.

"We used to queue at the water point and waste a lot of time. Sometimes we [would] wake up early so as to fetch clean water before people overcrowded and made [the water] dirty," said 34-year-old farmer Mary Mukhonji.

But last year, we protected their spring, and since then, the water collection process has become much easier and faster.

"Since the spring was constructed, I use less time to fetch water and spend other time with my family and do other house chores on time too. Now we no longer use a jug to draw water and also no time wasting as before. I can even send my children to draw water comfortably because the place is safe," continued Mary.

Not only is it a faster process, but the water they are collecting is now protected, so the risk of contracting water-related illnesses has drastically reduced.

"Also, cases of waterborne diseases have reduced in the area because our water point is covered well and safe for consumption," concluded Mary.

Mary drinking at the spring.