Rehabilitation Project
The Mang'uliro Community has 250 residents who rely on one dilapidated spring, which often creates more problems than it solves. The spring is in poor condition, creating pools of stagnant water that breed mosquitoes and dangerous diseases.
"Stagnant water accumulating at the collection point presents significant health risks to the community. This standing water creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and various other insects, which can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. In addition to causing discomfort, these pests can severely impact public health, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly," described field officer Rachael Dorcas.
"It was disheartening to see children and elderly people stepping into the stagnant water to fetch it, and the difficulty they faced when trying to step out while balancing water," she continued.
The water crisis affects everyone, but young people like Edith, who is fifteen, feel its impact most. Edith spends more than two hours a day fetching water from the rundown spring.
Edith.
"The distance from our home to the waterpoint is far, which takes longer to fetch water. Sometimes, there are long queues at the waterpoint, so we spend a lot of time waiting there," said Edith.
"Sometimes, I find myself in situations where some adults can be quite unkind. They rush to fetch water, even if I have been waiting ahead of them," Edith continued.
The time spent waiting for water impairs her education as well.
"Sometimes, I have to fetch water before going to school, which makes me late. This results in either getting punished or missing my morning preparations," Edith said.
It's Edith's turn to collect water.
Though Edith has lived with her community's water crisis for a long time, she has been determined to make the best of it.
Even in hardship, Edith finds moments of joy. "On weekends, I look forward to fetching water much more than on weekdays," Edith said," It is not just about the task itself; it is a chance to reconnect with my friends and enjoy some quality time together. There is something special about those moments that makes the chore feel like an adventure!"
Repairing this spring would mean so much more than safe water. It would free Edith from long waits and dangerous conditions, giving her time and health to focus on her future.
"I am committed to studying hard and pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher. I aspire to make a positive impact on my community."
Steps Toward a Solution
Our technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. They decided to safeguard the existing flowing spring.
Spring Protection
Springs are natural water sources that originate from deep underground. As water travels through various layers of the earth, it undergoes a natural filtration process, making it cleaner and safer to drink. To protect these spring sources from contamination, we construct a waterproof cement structure around layers of clay, stone, and soil. This design channels the spring water through a discharge pipe, facilitating easier, faster, and cleaner water collection.
Chlorine Dispenser
As an extra measure towards water quality safety, uniquely engineered chlorine dispensers are installed at all of our spring protection projects so community members can treat their water with pre-measured doses of chlorine. The chlorine treats any possible contamination and stays active for two to three days, ensuring water stays safe to use even when stored at home. Chlorine delivery and maintenance of the dispensers are part of our ongoing community support.
Community Education & Ownership
Hygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community. Encouraged and supported by the guidance of our team, a water user committee representative of the community's diverse members assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, often gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
