April, 2026: Kokoyo Community Spring Protection Complete!
Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Kokoyo 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!
30-year-old Rhodah Enock excitedly shared, "Access to clean and safe water will help me stay healthy throughout and be able to provide for my children without much worry. This will make me more energetic to do a long-lasting income-generating activity, which will enable me [to] pay school fees for my children and ensure they have a bright future when they grow up."
Ms. Enock at the newly protected spring.
Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!
Snaida is ten years old and is acutely aware of how clean water will enhance her life. "Reliable water will help me get enough time to rest and [focus] on revision, hence improving my school performance. Also, I will get time to play, make more friends, and assist my parents to do house chores."
Snaida collects clean water!
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.
Excavating the spring area.
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.
Beginning to build the walls of the spring.
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 pipes. The discharge pipes need 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 pipes.
If we place the pipes too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.
Cementing the walls.
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.
Cementing stones on both sides of the spring to prevent erosion.
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.
Setting tiles beneath the discharge pipes to prevent erosion.
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.
Backfilling the spring to protect the water quality and prevent erosion.
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.
Community members helped plant grass around the spring.
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 Kokoyo Community.
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 Gladys, Samuel, and Rose deployed to the site to lead the event. 28 people attended the training, including 19 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, 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.
Facilitator Rose Serete shared the topic that garnered the most participation from attendees. "Personal hygiene prompted the most discussion and interest from participants, specifically how handwashing is done. Two participants demonstrated how they normally wash their hands at home, in a basin of water without soap, where one person washes his or her hands and passes to the next person, the father of the house being the first person. Afterward, the trainer asked if it was the right way to wash hands, and other participants were not in agreement with the demonstration done by a volunteer, prompting more discussion. The trainer told them that it was not the right way because water gets contaminated in the process, and in the end, germs remain in the hands of the first to the last person. The trainer then demonstrated ten steps of handwashing with soap and flowing water, and the participants were satisfied to learn the best handwashing practices."
Snaida participates in the handwashing training.
18-year-old Eddah Ndombi learned many new things. "This training has enabled me [to] learn new skills and ideas I knew nothing about. For example, soap making process and hand washing using soap and flowing water. This will go a long way in ensuring that my community's hygiene practices are greatly improved."
Ms. Ndombi.
Thank you for making all of this possible!
Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
