A Year Later: Shitungu Community, Suleiman Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Suleiman 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.

Community members report that cases of waterborne diseases have decreased over the past year. This means the protected spring has contributed toward improving the quality of life for people here. The area around the spring has also been well-maintained, which is further evidence of its value to everyone.

"The state of cleanliness at the spring has improved because the community has embraced the protected spring. The members of the community now draw clean and safe water from the protected spring," Diana Immitsa told us.

Esther Waka and Diana Immitsa

"Nowadays, members of the community do not queue for water, as was the case before the spring was protected. People now have sufficient time to engage in other economic activities," she continued.

Protection of 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 Community is changing many lives.

Esther Waka

"The water from the protected spring is clean and safe," 9-year-old Esther Waka remarked. "We use the water for washing, cleaning, bathing and for drinking."

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.