Ifwetere Community 3

June, 2026: Ifwetere Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is 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!

We asked Meshack Injene, 66, what problems this newly protected spring will solve.

He eagerly shared, "One is access; this has been the greatest challenge I have experienced with this water point. The stairs were completely worn out and washed away, exposing the stones and soil. The protruding stones were dangerous to children and us, since they could cause accidents. Another problem the new water point has resolved is low discharge. We experienced very low yield, where water had diverted beneath, making us wait for a long time to fill a jerrycan. Finally, contamination: our water point was exposed to various contaminants like uncontrolled stormwater and an exposed spring box."

Mr. Injene.

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

"It has made access to water easier, not just for me but also for other kids. As [a] family, we rely heavily on this water, and even at school, teachers use water from here for drinking. It is trusted as the safest for consumption both at home and [at] school. The construction of this water point has made my life good because [I] am able to get clean water for cooking, [and] cleaning, among other chores," exclaimed 13-year-old Elvis.

Elvis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

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

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Amos Emisiko, Joel Otuya, and Samuel Simidi deployed to the site to lead the event. 20 people attended the training, including 13 women and seven 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.

Handwashing session.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which 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.

Dental hygiene session.

Facilitator Amos Emisiko shared,  "The participants are very committed based on their participation in the training. The group discussions were intense, and during the group presentation, the participants demonstrated vast knowledge in hygiene and sanitation behaviors. The presence of the community health promoter within the community showed great concern and adaptability of hygiene practices."

Soapmaking session.

Risper Opera, a 35-year-old farmer, participated in the training session.

She shared her experience. "I really enjoyed the soap-making process. The trainer made it easier [by] taking us through the procedure and involving us in every step of soap making. He used simple chemical words that I can master. The process was very simple, like making porridge. I also liked the training on a topic you referred to as 'water'. I liked how you trained well on methods of treating water from sodis (solar), boiling, and chlorination. My interest was really in chlorination because [I] am also a chlorine promoter at the spring. Your clarity on explaining the do's and don'ts of using chlorine, using chlorine for laundry, overdosing, diseases associated with chlorine, among many, addressing myths around chlorine, and providing alternative methods of water treatment was amazing."

Ms. Opera

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Ifwetere Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Elvis and the entire Ifwetere Community. Construction has begun on the spring protection project, bringing them one step closer to having clean, reliable water.

But that's not all—during construction, we’re also providing vital health training. These sessions equip the community with essential hygiene practices, ensuring that the benefits of clean water extend to lasting health improvements.

We’re so grateful for your role in making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates—soon, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of safe water in the Ifwetere Community!