"As we approached this community, we noticed that the hygiene standards...had tremendously improved. This was evident with the clean compounds, presence of dishracks and clotheslines, unlike in the past when [these things] were very few and scattered. This was [attributed to] the implementation of the WaSH project coupled with the hygiene training," said Field Officer Jonathan Mutai reflecting on his recent visit to Ngalame Spring in Mutunyi.
A year since Ngalame Spring's protection, Jonathan went to check up on the spring and interview community members about how the project has impacted their lives over the last year.
"I take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate [you] for considering this community," said a smiling Alice Mungasia, a member of the water committee.
"In the past, we drank dirty and contaminated water from this spring and this was one of the reasons we faced rampant cases of waterborne diseases. Now, the water is safe and clean and it takes very [little] time to access it due to the 2 pipes connected to it. Outbreaks of waterborne diseases have really reduced."
Edwin Shikhanga is an 11-year-old boy in Muyundi who gladly reflected on how the spring protection has changed his life in the first year since the project's completion.
"Health-wise I am good. In the past, I experienced constant stomachaches but now they have reduced. I feel it's due to drinking clean and safe water and the hygiene training that we received," he said.
"Challenges now are minimized with our spring's protection and we are very grateful to your support."