A Year Later: Shitungu Community, Makale Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Makale Spring for Shitungu Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our local 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 – and we’re excited to share this one from local team member Mary Afandi with you.

Before Makale Spring was protected last year, the community had to use contaminated water. Disease outbreaks were prevalent in the area around the unprotected spring.

According to Violet Kebali, cases of diarrhea and typhoid were very common among her family and the rest of the residents. People were paying a lot for medical care.

After the protection of the spring and the health training carried out, the area around the protected spring is clean and well-maintained. Sicknesses have significantly decreased.

We spoke with Violet Kebali and Doreen Vinzari about some of the other changes they have witnessed over the past year.

Doreen Vinzari, Violet Kebali, and Mary Afandi

"After the protection of the spring, the residents now have enough water in terms of quantity and quality," said Mrs. Kebali.

"The spring also benefits many people from within the community and the neighboring communities. Many people come to fetch water from the protected spring as early as 4am and as late as 9pm. This indicates that the number of households benefiting has greatly increased!"

Protecting the spring is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is 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.

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 spring in Shitungu is changing many lives.

Doreen Vinzari

"We have access to safe and clean water. The water from the protected spring is used for washing, cleaning, bathing, and for drinking," 12-year-old Doreen said with a smile.

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.