A Year Later: "We now find it easy to fetch water."

Eugene, 14, recalled what life was like in the Kwambiha Community before the community’s spring was protected last year.

“This is the main source of water in this community. For many years, we used to find difficulty in accessing the water point due to [the] lack of [a] staircase. We were forced to step on mud and water so as to get to the collection point. On several occasions, people used to get injured, forcing them to seek medical attention at the nearby dispensary. Water from the spring was not safe for use as the catchment area had been exposed to contamination, thus endangering the health of its users. Not once, not twice, we heard of community members having been diagnosed with typhoid,” said Eugene.

Collecting water is now much simpler and safer for Eugene and the other community members in Kwambiha.

“Accessibility to the collection area has been improved due to [the] installation of the staircase. We now find it easy to fetch water. The catchment area has been protected. We are now guaranteed clean, safe water for use. This has led to a reduction in cases of infections related to water. This will allow the community members [to] live a healthy life,” Eugene continued.

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for Eugene, allowing him to begin building a brighter future.

"Just after completion of the spring, I was able to have ample time for my studies. My end exams were exemplary, allowing me [to] join Malava Boys High School for my secondary education. I look forward to registering positive results at the end of my secondary education hoping to join the university for a teaching program," concluded Eugene.

Eugene (left) collects water with his friend from the protected spring.