October, 2024: Makhwabuye Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Makhwabuye 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!

Community members are happy for clean water.

"Access to clean water will significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases like typhoid, stomachache and diarrhea. This will lead to an overall healthier community. Children will no longer miss school due to these sicknesses, which will gradually improve their performance and open doors to new opportunities in the future," said 46-year-old Edith Ben.

Edith collects water.

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

Abigael (left) with a friend at the spring.

"With access to clean and safe water, I will no longer worry about diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water. Instead, I will be healthy and well hydrated, allowing me to be focused better in class and at home for better results," said 15-year-old Abigael.

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.

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.

Community members provided great support.

"Both men and women, including children, were actively involved in gathering locally available materials required for spring protection. Men were responsible for collecting heavier stones and using wheelbarrows to carry sand, gravel, and other materials, while women and children could carry bricks and sand in buckets. Women prepared meals for the construction workers, while men worked alongside the artisans at every step of the construction process. This participation contributed to the success of the implementation of this project," said Field Officer Christine Masinde.

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.

Building the walls.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Plastering the walls.

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.

Adding walls that will help keep animals out of the spring area.

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.

Covering the area with soil and adding a fence.

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 Makhwabuye Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Smiles about clean water!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Christine and Daniel deployed to the site to lead the event. 20 people attended the training, including 11 women and 9 men.

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.

"Discussion on water treatment was particularly engaging since participants were enthusiastic about learning different treatment options, including solar disinfection, boiling, filtration, and chlorination. One of the attendees indicated that since the spring was now protected, there was no need to treat drinking water. However, the trainer explained that even with the protected spring, there could still be a chance of minimal contamination. She reiterated the importance of treating drinking water to eradicate waterborne illnesses completely. The participants were urged to make use of the chlorine dispenser installed at the new waterpoint," shared Field Officer Christine Masinde.

Training faciliatator Christine Masinde shares about dental hygiene.

"The community members were actively involved in the spring protection process and in the training, which indicated a sense of ownership responsibility for maintaining the protected spring, and the willingness to learn and adopt new practices," Christine concluded.

Edith participates in the soap-making session.

"This training has equipped us with [a] clear knowledge about practical solutions for water, sanitation and hygiene concerns. We have learned about proper handwashing and how to build and use a leaky tin and tippy tap. This will reduce hygiene-related and water-related diseases in our community since we plan to share the knowledge with other community members," said Edith Ben, the elected Chairperson of the Water User Committee, who was quoted earlier.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

September, 2024: Makhwabuye Community Spring Protection Underway!

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

Thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news soon!