Mukongolo Community 2

August, 2026: Mukongolo Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"I'm currently enrolled at one of the National polytechnics, studying fashion design. Access to water will help me save time and the money I used to spend on medication, and instead channel it towards my studies. I'm looking forward to becoming a fashion designer upon completion of my training," said 33-year-old Gertrude Tovo.

Ms. Gertrude Dovo.

"As for my children, I believe they'll be healthier than before and be able to go on with their education without disruptions brought about by water-related sicknesses. This water point will definitely make a difference in my children's lives. Having access to clean water will ease the burden of frequent illnesses, absenteeism from school, and also give them the chance to enjoy playtime with their peers," Gertrude continued.

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

Eunice.

"It's children and women who fetch water. Reliable water makes it easy for me to finish my household chores quickly, thereby allowing me enough time to study and play with my friends," said 11-year-old Eunice.

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 Mukongolo 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 Daniel Mwanzia, Rose Serete, Wilson Kipchoge, Carolyne Tracy, and Julius Mutai deployed to the site to lead the event. 35 people attended the training, including 29 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.

Soap-making 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.

Learning handwashing techniques.

"Personal hygiene was the most discussed topic. We handled sub-topics on dental hygiene, hand washing, grooming, bathing, and general body cleanliness. Some of the men confessed that they didn't see the need to have a bath every day, especially if they were not involved in any work that could make them sweat. Women, on the other hand, mentioned that they bathed at least once a day. Eventually, the men were convinced that it was indeed a good thing to bathe at least once daily," shared Field Officer Daniel Mwanzia.

Ms. Ayeko.

"This training made me realize that I have been doing a lot of things the wrong way. From washing hands to brushing teeth, and other personal hygiene aspects, it became apparent that I had neglected my body for far too long. However, after what I've learned, my hygiene habits are going to change for the better," said Susy Ayeko, a 46-year-old farmer.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

June, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Mukongolo Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Gertrude Dovo and the entire Mukongolo 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 Mukongolo Community!