Indangalasia Community 2

May, 2026: Indangalasia Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"This new water point will solve a number of problems for me. I will not fall sick as I used to before it was constructed. I used to go to the health facility all the time due to waterborne diseases, but now that it has been constructed, I am very happy that I won't fall sick," shared Vivian Andabwa, a mother and farmer whom we first spoke to when we visited the community.

Ms. Andabwa.

She continued: "My children will have enough time to concentrate on their studies. They will perform well in school and become what they wish to be in [the] future. My son will become the nurse he has always wished to be when he grows up."

Vivian at the protected spring.

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

Twelve-year-old Brighton is thrilled that having access to clean water means he can take time to be a kid!

Brighton at the protected spring.

"I will have enough time to play with my fellow children during weekends and holidays. I will not have [the] stress of getting water, so I will use this time to enjoy my talent in football and showcase my techniques," Brighton imagined.

Not only will his newfound extra free time allow him to play and enjoy life a bit more, but it will also give him time and opportunity to study more, creating a brighter future.

"I will be in class on time and attend all the time. This will help me improve in my studies. Unlike before, when I missed some classes and even examinations because of wasting time at the water point before going to school," Brighton said.

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 Indangalasia Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

"They gathered at the water point very early in the morning. They were ready to taste the "new" drop of water from their new water point. They all quenched [their] thirst and laughed. They celebrated this water point and were very happy and grateful for allowing their dream [to] come through," shared Field Officer Elvine Atieno.

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Elvine Atsieno, David Muthama, Joy Ongeri, Adelaide Nasimiyu, Mercy Odongo, and Sharon Atenya deployed to the site to lead the event. 23 people attended the training, including 16 women and seven 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.

Field Officer Elvine Atsieno shared her perspective, "This group is grateful for the project and the training; they have been taught much about income-generating activities that will help them earn a living and pay school fees for their children. They live in unity, and this was demonstrated during materials mobilization, project implementation, and hygiene training."

Soapmaking was a favorite activity for the group.

"Community members were excited to learn how to make soap at home. They actively participated in [the] soap-making process. As they were making soap, they discovered that they had been using alot of money to purchase diluted liquid soap. They all agreed to make soap, sell it, and generate income for their self-help group. They said that they will not only wash their beddings during festive seasons [but] they will wash [it] at least twice a month because they have clean water and soap," Ms. Atsieno reported.

The soapmaking session.

"Thank you for the knowledge. You have equipped me with so much knowledge. Today was productive [for] me, and I have gained a lot. I did not know [the] proper way of washing my hands. I have been washing using water in a basin. But now I will be using clean and running water with soap. After taking us through [the] ten handwashing steps, when I wash my hands, I will touch every part of my hand, unlike before, when I washed my hands and did not wash between my fingers. I will spread this knowledge to my family members. This will improve our hygiene as a family," shared participant Gladys Atieno.

Ms. Atieno.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Indangalasia Community!

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