A Year Later: Shivagala Community, Paul Chengoli Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Paul Chengoli Spring for Shivagala 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 Joan Were with you.

This spring is the only permanent water source for the entire Nambilima area. People come from far and wide to fetch water here. The Cheng'oli family does not discriminate or deny access to water because they say it was freely given to them by God.

The improved water supply and sanitation has had a positive impact on the income and poverty situation of the local households.

"We are happy that now our spring is no longer exposed to contamination. Waterborne diseases are now an issue of the past on this community," spring caretaker Stephen Chengoli said.

Stephen Chengoli

The increased supply of safe water has reduced the time and energy burden of water collection and enabled household members to engage in other activities.

"This newly protected spring has two outlets which serve us very fast," 12-year-old Doreen Makokha said. "We don't waste time lining up at the spring anymore."

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 Shivagala is changing many lives.

Doreen Makokha

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.