"Life has truly improved!"

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Melchizedek. Since then, he and the 378 residents of Namwaya Community have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"Now that the spring is built, fetching water is much easier and safer. The water is clean, and we don't have to worry about getting sick," said Mr. Mapesa.

"The place is well protected, so even when it rains, the water stays clear. The ground is not slippery anymore because of the stairs. It's easy to fill our containers because of the help of the discharge pipes. I'm really happy because this spring has made life better for all of us," he continued.

Before the Spring Protection

Like many community members in Western Kenya, 65-year-old farmer Melchizedek Mapesa is responsible for collecting water to meet his daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole his time and negatively affected him.

The spring before it was protected last year.

Drinking water from the previous source had severe consequences. Many in the community suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant people wasted time collecting sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks. For Melchizedek, it meant he had difficulty staying healthy.

"Before this water point was built, we had a lot of problems with the water. The spring used to get dirty, especially when it rained, because soil and leaves would wash into it. Sometimes animals would come to drink from the same place, and the water wasn't safe. Many people from this community had stomach problems and other sicknesses like diarrhea and dysentery. We tried protecting it ourselves, but it was in vain," said Melchizedek.

Since the Spring Protection

Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Melchizedek’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Reliable and clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic possibilities, allowing people to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"

"Since it's now protected, things have really improved!" said Mr. Mapesa.

"Since this project was done, I have really seen a big change in my health. Before, I used to suffer from stomach pains all the time, and sometimes I couldn't even go to the farm. These days, I feel strong because the water is clean. I don't fall sick like before. Now I can work in my shamba (garden), look after my animals, and even help my grandchildren without getting tired easily. Life has truly improved," he continued.

The protected spring has stairs for easy access and a chlorine dispenser to ensure the water remains safe to drink for days.

Mr. Mapesa concluded that the greatest benefit of access to clean water often extends beyond the physical.

"The best thing about living with clean water is peace of mind. We don't worry about getting sick anymore. The children are healthy, and we save the money we used to spend on medicine. Life feels easier. We can wash, cook, and drink without fear. Clean water has truly brought comfort and happiness to our homes," he said.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Melchizedek and his community. This is just the first chapter of their story as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!

At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this project to ensure the water is always flowing and safe to consume. We inspect system hardware, monitor water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water-quality samples to identify risks. We work with our on-the-ground team to resolve them.

You gave him a crucial tool for achieving his dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, his enthusiasm and courage will help Melchizedek fulfill his dreams.

Mr. Mapesa tends his garden.

"Since this clean water project came, my life has really changed. I started a small fish farm just behind my home. Something I had only dreamed about before. The water is clean and steady, so the fish are healthy and growing well. I have even managed to sell some and get a little income to buy food and school items for my grandchildren. Before, I couldn't do such a thing because the old spring was dirty and unreliable. Now, I feel proud because the water is helping me build something useful for my family and the community," Mr. Mapesa shared.

"What makes me most proud this past year is seeing my fish farm succeed. Before, I never thought I could do something like that. But with clean and reliable water, my fish have grown well, and I have even sold some to earn money. I was able to buy school uniforms for my grandchildren and some farm tools. It feels good to see what clean water has made possible. It has truly changed my life!" he said.

"My dream is to expand my fish farm and maybe start a small vegetable garden near it. I want to keep working while I still have strength, and also teach the young people how to use water well. With clean and steady water, these dreams are possible. I believe I can do more for my family and help the community, too. Water has made life easier and given me more hope for the future," he concluded.

Mr. Mapesa near his fish pond.