Giving Update: Chegulo Community, Werabunuka Spring

The protection of Werabunuka Spring in Chegulo last year has resulted in many positive changes.

People now spend a lot less time fetching water because it is so convenient. Field Officer Jacklyne Chelagat reported that her interaction with members of this community on her most recent visit there further confirmed that there is a decrease in cases of waterborne diseases. The water is now clean, safe, and easily accessible.

"We used to get very dirty water from the spring. Cows, sheep, and goats would come and step in the water source and make the water dirty. At times the livestock could even drop dung at the spring and contaminate the water," remembered water committee treasurer Margret Obembo.

"Since the spring was protected, this is a thing of the past. The water source is safe and cannot be contaminated at all. The pathway and the staircase make the spring accessible. At the moment it is safe and easy to access water from the spring. We are so grateful and we shall never be tired of appreciating [you]," Margaret said.

Ruth Ojiado at the spring

13-year-old Ruth Ojiado reflected on how this project has impacted her as a young person and student in the community.

"Before this spring was protected, we used to take a very long time trying to get water from the spring...We always rushed to the spring to fetch water before we went to school. During those days we would be late for school whenever we went for water from the spring. At the moment, we take a very short time and run to school since the spring is easily accessible."

We are also working with Ruth's school to see if we can help alleviate their severe water shortage so that students like Ruth no longer have to carry water to school at all.

Margret, Field Officer Jacklyne, and Ruth at the spring