Malichi Community 2

March, 2026: Malichi Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"Fetching water is now an enjoyable activity!" declared Alice Weyusia, the 61-year-old elected chairlady of the water user committee.

Ms. Weyusia.

"I will use this spring's water to water my vegetables during dry seasons and sell them to earn income for my household. My future hope and dream is that my grandchildren will enjoy good health as a result of access to this clean and safe water."

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

Winstone.

"The reliable water will improve things for me because after school, I will not take much time fetching water from the protected spring. Therefore, I will have enough time to rest and study for better performance," said 17-year-old Winstone when describing how the protected spring will change his life and academic experience.

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 divert surface contaminants.

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 Malichi Community.

"The women could not hold their excitement. There were songs and speeches from different people who fetch water at the protected spring. One of the elders, who is a retired teacher but not tired, said that, "Our spring is the best from [all the] other springs." He was joyous to see flowing water; he could not stop talking. Another elderly lady said that she was happy her grandchildren would be taking clean and safe water from the protected spring," shared Field Officer Mary Afandi.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Daisy Khatunyi, Daniel Mutuku, Amos Emisiko, and Mary Afandi deployed to the site to lead the event. 18 people attended the training, including 12 women and six 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, 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.

"The participants really committed themselves to take care of the protected spring project, and also to start a group to make their own soap and sell [it]. Their own soap will improve their general hygiene standards, and then selling part of it will generate extra income," Mary Afandi reported.

"The most interesting topic was environmental hygiene. It was important to learn that our surroundings must be clean. We were happy to learn that we are supposed to plant indigenous trees to conserve our environment. I enjoyed that topic because I love nature," shared participant 34-year-old farmer Jacob Mugodo.

Mr. Mugodo.

Mr. Mugogo continued: "The training has impacted my ideas, because I am a preacher, and so I will go and teach my church congregation about hygiene practices, and to my own nuclear and extended family."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

January, 2026: Exciting Progress in Malichi Community, Thanks to You!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for eight-year-old Trizah and the entire Malichi 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 Malichi Community!