Giving Update: Masera Community, Salim Hassan Spring

Before Salim Hassan Spring was protected, it contained only contaminated water, made dirty as a result of dirty runoff and people doing laundry and bathing near the water source. A year after the protection of the spring and hygiene and sanitation training, many changes have taken place in Masera.

These include the level of cleanliness around the spring area, and also reduced incidences of disease outbreak among community members. Access to clean and safe water has been enhanced. This means the protected spring has contributed toward improved quality of life for the people of Masera.

"There is [an] improvement of cleanliness at the spring because the community has embraced the protected spring. The water flow is reliable, [and] the community members now draw clean and safe water from the protected spring," said Farida Hassan, a local shopkeeper in Masera and family of the landowner to the spring.

We also met 16-year-old Agatious Likami at the spring, who along with his family depends on Salim Hassan Spring for their daily water needs.

"Water from the protected spring is used for washing, cleaning, bathing, cooking and drinking. The water from the protected spring is clean and safe. Access to water has been made easier. After the protection of the spring, more time and effort is spent on other economic activities. In addition, incidences of disease outbreak have reduced in this community."

Beatrice Ngota, Agatious, and Field Officer Mary Afandi