A Year Later: "With access to clean, safe water things have really transformed."

Before the spring was protected in Litinye last year, community members had to carefully and slowly collect water from a shallow, cloudy pool. It was tedious, and the water was contaminated.

"I personally can testify that I could not fetch water without a cup. The area was surrounded by muddy clay hence accessing [it] was a challenge. [The] majority of people collected water frequently hence causing contamination of [the] water. This made us to wait for [the] water to settle before we [could] fetch," said 45-year-old farmer Mary Mufutu.

But since the spring was protected, collecting water has become much easier and faster for everyone, and the water people consume is much safer.

"Water is life! To me, I can really celebrate for the new chapter of changing people's lives with access to clean, safe water. Collecting water through [the] pipe has enabled me to save time. No more carrying [a] collecting cup, which enhances cleanliness when fetching water," said Mary. "Moreso several people can fetch [water] at a time without [the] water [being] contaminated."

Ease of water collection is not the only benefit for community members like Mary. They have also improved their daily hygiene and sanitation practices creating opportunities for everyone's health and quality of life to improve.

"With access to clean, safe water, things have really transformed. I can do manual cleaning on a daily basis [like] washing clothes and bathing and even preparing food on time for my children. [Now with] access to clean and safe water [I] am trying to ensure that each and everyone in my community maintains high standards of hygiene by educating them on [the] importance of living a healthy life," concluded Mary.