Makuyenze Community

October, 2024: Makuyenze Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Makuyenze Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser was installed to provide added protection and we trained the community on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for community members to thrive!

Celebrating clean water!

"This new waterpoint will transform not only my life, but my grandchildren's as well. Easy accessibility will help save time and use it on meaningful life-changing activities. Frequent water-related illnesses are no longer going to be part of my life! I'm looking forward to a bright future," said 56-year-old farmer Simon Indimuli.

Simon collecting clean water.

Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!

"This new waterpoint will make life easier for my parents since collecting water will no longer be a challenge to them. It will provide room for them to engage in other meaningful work so as to put food on the table. Clean and safe water will reduce or eliminate the need to spend money on medication since we no longer have to worry about contracting waterborne illnesses," said 17-year-old Aquilla.

Aquilla drinking clean water!

"I will be in a position to do school assignments on time and attend remedial classes without fail. I will also be able to take part in group discussions, and do consultations with my teachers so as to improve on the areas of weakness, thus ensuring better grades in the near future," Aquilla continued.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring. These included bricks, sand, stones, and fencing poles. Because people have to carry most items by hand, the material-collection process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

Community members collect building materials.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then, our construction artisan and field officers deployed to the spring to begin work.

Protecting the Protecting the Spring: A Step-by-Step Process

First, we excavated the spring area. This includes digging a drainage channel below the spring and several runoff diversion channels above and around the spring to help divert surface contaminants away.

To ensure community members could still access water throughout the construction process, we also dug temporary channels around the construction site to allow water to continue to flow. Excavation created space for setting the spring's foundation.

Excavation.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs. Once the walls were tall enough, we began one of the most crucial steps: setting the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe needs to be positioned low enough so the water level never rises above the spring's eye, yet high enough to allow room for the average collection container (20-liters) to sit beneath the pipe without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

Setting the discharge pipe.

If we place the pipe too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.

In coordination with the walls and stairs, we cemented stones on both sides of the spring's drainage channel. These stones discourage people and animals from standing in that area, which could cause soil erosion and a clogged drainage area.

Laying stones.

We then cemented and plastered the spring walls. These finishing layers reinforce the brickwork and prevent water in the reservoir from seeping through. In turn, enough pressure builds to push water out through the discharge pipe.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipe. The tiles protect the concrete from the falling water's erosive force.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through only the discharge pipe. We filled the reservoir area with the large, clean stones arranging them in layers like a well-fitting puzzle. We covered the rocks with thick plastic and piled enough dirt on top to compensate for future settling.

Plastering the stairs.

Community members transplanted grass to help prevent erosion and the collection area was fenced. The fence prevents people or animals from walking in the area above the spring, as compaction of this area can potentially compromise water quality.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

The completed spring.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Makuyenze Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Collecting water.

"I feel very optimistic for this community because of the commitment they showed [during] the entire construction process. Their newly formed Water User Committee has the ability to ensure proper care of the facility. Judging from how this community received their new water point, I'm sure they'll take good care of it, and that their water troubles are now forgotten," Field Officer Victor Musemi shared.

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Victor Musemi and Joel Otuya deployed to the site to lead the event. 18 people attended the training, including 10 women and eight men.

Participants learn to make soap.

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soap-making, and the ten steps of handwashing. We also highlighted the importance of primary health care and covered the operation and maintenance of the water point, as well as leadership and governance. By the end of the training, each participant had a clear understanding of their role in maintaining clean water and promoting good health within their community.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee who will oversee the maintenance of the spring. We brainstormed income-generating activities and encouraged them to start a group savings account for future minor repairs to the spring.

The topic of environmental hygiene triggered quite a discussion.

"We had several pictorial charts depicting different ways through which the environment can be contaminated. Participants were taken through the topic using the charts, and at some point, we had to pause to answer the many questions that arose along the way. Young participants, especially children, realized that they had been guilty of contaminating their surroundings by carelessly defecating or urinating near water sources and promised to change their ways," said Field officer Victor.

Joan Afwande.

"This training has made me realize that good health is easy to achieve through good hygiene practices, correct waste disposal, and proper water handling. My community can now avoid frequent hospital visits by maintaining high hygiene standards," said 41-year-old Joan Afwande.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

August, 2024: Makuyenze Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Makuyenze Community costs people time, energy, and health every single day. Clean water scarcity contributes to community instability and diminishes individuals’ personal progress.

But thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are now working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news in the near future!