A Year Later: Water Allows a New Business!

27-year-old Esther Shiundu recalled what life was like in the Chevoso Community before her community’s spring was protected last year.

“Fetching water from the water source was really a major challenge. I used to carry a cup for collecting water into containers, which could take much time and long queues of people. The source was opened with a small pipe around the source but it could not even serve many people. This contributed to people fetching water [from] different points, which also contaminated [the] water,” said Esther.

Collecting water is now simpler for Esther and the other community members in Chevoso.

“Accessing water has really helped me. I can collect water through [the] pipe, which is easier and faster. More so [the] water can not get contaminated. The area is well protected from any waste material. The availability of stairs has really made the access point more accessible. This has really helped me to improve on matters concerning hygiene and sanitation by ensuring the surrounding area is cleaned on a daily basis,” Esther continued.

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for Esther, allowing her not only to improve her personal hygiene and drink clean water but to have the water she needs to run her own business.

"Having access to enough clean, safe water, I have really gained by owning a bakery, which gives me a daily income. People can enjoy eating bread and drinking clean, safe water," Esther concluded.

Esther drinking clean water.