A Year Later: "I no longer worry about water."

Farmer Florence Mukachelelwa, 61, recalled what life was like in the Muhoni Community before her community's spring was protected last year.

"Ever since I married in this community, morning hours [were] never good for me, especially during school days. The thought of carrying jerrycans to fetch water really disturbed me. This [is] because accessing water [in] the spring was hectic, time-consuming, and risky. We had no clear path directing one to the collection point; this was disadvantageous to the community members. The catchment area was exposed to contaminants, meaning [the] water collected was not safe for use. We did also waste a lot of time fetching water; discharge was low as much water had diverted from the improvised pipe," Florence shared.

Collecting water is now much less dangerous and tedious for Florence and the other community members in the Muhoni Community.

"Clean, safe water is a basic human need; every household and community is entitled to it. We are enjoying access to clean, safe, [and] sufficient water. The spring is accessible to all age groups with minimal difficulties. Nowadays, we no longer worry about overcrowding as the discharge rate has drastically improved. [The] time to fill a 20-litter jerrycan is 45 seconds," she continued.

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for Florence, allowing her to be at ease. She no longer hangs on to the anxiety that her water will make her ill. She can properly care for her livestock, which will give her a better output and help her provide for herself and her family.

"I no longer worry about water. It is safe for drinking. Cases of infections related to water [are] now a thing of the past. My body feels strong and healthy, allowing me [to] create ample time [to] look after my dairy cows and poultry," Florence concluded.