Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Program: Kenyan Spring Protection

Impact: 146 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Nov 2013

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 03/08/2024

Project Features


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Community Profile

Brief Background of WEWASFO Pilot Program 

In July 2013, WEWASAFO initiated a six months pilot project on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene activities that focus on spring protection and water harvesting through the construction of water tanks in schools. The activities will be carried out in schools, homes, community owned water springs and water points. The provision of clean water will reduce the spread of communicable diseases thus reducing the proportion of income spent on health related expenses. The activities will alleviate poverty through the reduction in infant mortality rates and diarrhea in children and in the community. They will also contribute to increased productive time and resources that was previously lost to preventable diseases.

Overall Strategic Objectives

  • To increase the number of people in targeted communities washing their hands with soap at critical points
  • To access clean drinking water of households in targeted communities by protecting 4 springs and Construction of 4 water tanks in schools
  • To construct 8, 2 double door improved pit latrines in schools
  • To promote improved household sanitation through a community led total sanitation approach in 4 villages

Community Mobilization and Organization Activities

The community sensitization, mobilization and organization activities targeted both the local leaders and the communities and schools. The particular aspects of the activities were tackled as follows:

  • Sensitization of local leaders The first appointment meeting was with the Deputy county Commissioner who was briefed of the project intervention in the their respective areas of jurisdiction.
  • Compiling a baseline report and dissemination of findings to stakeholders  The baseline survey report was written and the findings disseminated to the stakeholders. The report concludes that due to high enrollment of pupils in primary schools, there is high pressure on water and sanitation facilities. In all the schools visited it was found out that there is inadequate or even completely lack of water and water facilities in the schools as well as a great deficit of sanitation facilities.
  • Pre-Water Quality testing of unprotected springs.  The water samples were taken from springs that were vetted and taken for testing to Lake Victoria North Water Services Board laboratory. A total of 8 samples were taken; from the four constituency as one of the criteria for selection of the best spring from each constituency.

The pilot program consisted of three individual projects which are:

Marko Spring Protection

Bikatsi Spring Protection

Mwiyala Primary School Rainwater Harvesting and VIP Latrines 

For a more detailed report on these projects, download the WEWASAFO-Pilot Project Report

Marko Spring Protection:

Mako Spring is located in Emulakha village, Shirakalu sublocation, Butsotso East location in Lurambi Constituency.  The spring is the main source of water for 146 people.  The project consisted of the following objectives:

  • Protect the spring from contamination so that it remains a safe source of water for the community
  • Construct and implement sanitation platforms (cement slabs for latrine construction) for 5 households
  • Educate the community on proper sanitation and hygiene practices including water handling, disease transmission, environmental conservation, and the operation and maintenance of the spring and household latrines.

All of these objectives were successfully accomplished and the community is now benefiting from the protected spring and sanitation facilities.

Conclusion:

As we come to an end of our very first Pilot Project funded by The Water Project we wanted to express our gratitude for having been given the opportunity to show you the strong will power and perseverance of our people as well as for having the confidence in us, WEWASAFO to provide quality work and serve our people in Kakamega County, Kenya.

We will be closely monitoring our projects to ensure sustainability and continued growth amongst the community members we serve.

Project Updates


December, 2013: WeWaSaFo Water Projects Complete

We're happy to report that the WeWaSaFo Water Projects have been completed.  In this report, see how your gifts have enabled three communities to gain access to clean, safe water and new sanitation facilities.  It's a great step forward for these villages.




Project Photos


Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!