Bumini Community 2

June, 2026: Bumini Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Ms. Maridah Tivayi.

"With clean and reliable water now available, I will be able to expand my farming activities and keep more cows for milk production. My family will also spend less time looking for water and less money on treating water-related illnesses, allowing us to focus more on productive work and improving our household income," shared 67-year-old farmer and vice chairperson of the water user committee, Maridah Tivayi.

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

Mary at the spring.

"Now, with this new water point, I will drink clean water and not get sick. I will also have more time to go to school and play with my friends," said 6-year-old Mary.

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.

Laying a 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.

Placing the discharge pipe.

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.

Reinforcing with a layer of clay.

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.

Planting grass to prevent erosion.

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 Bumini 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 Mercy Odongo, Elvine Atsieno, and Joy Ongeri deployed to the site to lead the event. 20 people attended the training, including 14 women and six men.

Soapmaking session.

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.

Oral hygiene 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 how to care for the spring.

Field Officer Joy Ongeri shared, "On oral hygiene, participants were highly engaged when exploring why certain teeth are more likely to decay and require removal. Many openly shared [about] their own experiences with tooth pain and loss, which led to a lively exchange about causes such as poor brushing habits, high sugar consumption, and inadequate mouth care. There were no topics that participants were resistant to learning. From the beginning, participants were willing to engage, ask questions, and share their experiences because the topics were directly related to their daily lives and health. There was [a] strong interest to learn more, and this helped the training run smoothly."

Beatrice Atiakoro.

"The training has helped me understand the importance of food hygiene in protecting our health. I learned that poor food hygiene, such as eating contaminated food, undercooked food, or food that is not properly stored, can lead to serious illnesses," reported Beatrice Atiakoro, the 56-year-old appointed chairperson of the water user committee. "Because of this, I now understand the need to always wash hands before preparing food, keep food covered, cook it well, and store it safely to protect myself and my community from disease."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

May, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Bumini Community!

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