A Year Later: Mwikholo Spring

A year ago, generous donors helped protect Mwikholo Spring for Shitaho Community in Western Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from Jonathan Mutai, with you.

"We are grateful for the good work you did to us. We are now drawing water in a good, clean environment. It is not like before where we used to draw water in a muddy environment," Mr. Kola Faustus, Secretary of the Water User Committee said.

The entire community is now accessing safe and clean water for drinking and household chores due to protection of Mwikholo Spring.  Cases of waterborne diseases in the area have drastically decreased.

"Since completion of the spring, I no longer have to carry small container for filling the bigger container when fetching water," Vivian Wanjofu, a 14 year-old girl, said.

"Fetching water here as been so easy and enjoyable!"

The community members have improved in sanitation and hygiene. The majority of households have pit latrines with improvised handwashing facilities placed outside called "Tippy Taps." Also, dish racks and clotheslines are easily spotted. The water source is kept very clean by this proud community.

Protection of this spring is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project and our teams on the ground are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

As we compiled these interviews, we noticed an issue with the discharge. We sent the artisan back to repair the fourth discharge pipe:

The fourth discharge pipe back in place as of September 2018.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This functional spring in Shitaho Community is changing many lives.

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.