Buloma Community 3

April, 2026: Buloma Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Mr. Alfred Sakwa.

"Clean water is a foundation for everything. When children are healthy, they can go to school regularly and concentrate better. For my grandchildren, it means less time spent fetching water and more time in class. Even at home, we can grow vegetables and improve our nutrition. Access to safe water gives us the strength to focus on our goals. whether it’s education, farming, or small businesses. It gives our children a better chance at a brighter future," celebrated 73-year-old Alfred Sakwa.

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

Flevian.

Thirteen-year-old Flevian was happy to share. "Now, with clean water, I will not get sick as often. I also have more time to read and help at home because I don’t have to walk far to get water. It makes life easier and better for me.”

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 Buloma 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, Protus, Adelaide, Joyce, Elvine, Hildah, and Joan deployed to the site to lead the event. 16 people attended the training, including 11 women and five 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.

"Many community members showed up because they were eager to learn how to use and maintain the new water source properly. Others were motivated by the health benefits, especially parents who want to protect their children from diseases, and they were eager to learn how to make liquid soap. We also involved [a] community health promoter, which helped encourage wider participation," shared Field Officer Elvine Atsieno.

"The topic that sparked the most discussion was safe water handling and storage at the household level. Many participants wanted to know how to keep the water clean after collecting it from the spring. One memorable moment was when an elderly mother, Everline Savala, a 63-year-old, asked, “Even if the spring is protected, can water still make us sick if our containers are dirty?” This led to a very active discussion on cleaning containers, covering them properly, and using clean scooping methods. People shared local practices, and we corrected some common mistakes together. It showed that the community was truly engaged and willing to learn," he continued.

Ms. Christine Namanda.

Forty-two-year-old farmer Christine Namanda shared her experience. "One topic that really stood out for me was primary healthcare, how small actions at home can prevent big illnesses. We learned that keeping our surroundings clean, properly managing waste, and treating drinking water are all part of protecting our families from disease. It helped me see that good health starts right in our homes, not just at the hospital."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Buloma Community!

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