Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Program: Kenyan Spring Protection

Impact: 480 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Nov 2014

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 02/02/2024

Project Features


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Community Profile

This project is being implemented by our partner Western Water And Sanitation Forum, and includes the construction of a spring protection system and sanitation platforms.

This spring is located in Bugondi/Lwenya village, Shibeye sub location, Iguhu location, Ikolomani division, Idakho East Ward, Kakamega East of Kakamega County.

The mobilization of materials for construction works

The community was able to mobilize all the materials that were expected of them for construction of the sanplats and protection of the spring. WEWASAFO started working on the site with great support from the community and the Member of County Assembly.

Mapping of the community resources was done to assist the community members to identify the locally available resources within their community and contribute the same towards the project. This helps to ensure ownership of the project. This is being done by the youth and elders in the community. They are harvesting sand from the river and some are crushing ballast from hard core for protection of the spring.

WASH trainings 

The Water and Sanitation management committee training is ongoing for the committee members for spring. They are being equipped with relevant skills on management and maintenance of their water spring, good governance, funds collection and record keeping.

A total number of 20 people are being trained out of which 10 were males and 10 were females. The participants are encouraged to establish structures of management and maintenance of the water points by fencing the water points, making cut off drainages and planting indigenous trees to conserve the water.

WSMC members after training will be expected to register with the Ministry of Social services so they can access devolved funds which will enable them to engage in income generating activities and improve their livelihoods and reduce the poverty level in the area.

The Community Health workers - CHWs traing is also on going. The members are being equipped with skills on health and hygiene promotion in villages in order to reduce incidences of water borne diseases. A total number of 15 people are taking part in the training of which 8 were males and 7 were females. The Member of County Assembly – Idakho East Madam Isabella participated in the training and was the one who issued the Certificates to CHW Training Graduants. The occasion was colorful.

After trainings the CHWs will be charged with responsibility of making home visits and attend to public meeting and educate the community on good hygiene practices, family planning and safe water handling in order to prevent water borne diseases.

Spring protection and Sanplat Construction

The spring is under protection by WEWASAFO. The community is fully supporting the works and when complete,  it will serve a total number of 480 people from 60 households.

In order to prevent contamination of the water sources by faeces resulting from open defecation, five vulnerable members of the community that lack toilets have been identifird and will receive sanitation platforms.

The following five members of the community will receive sanitation platforms:-

  • Henry Yumatsi serving total number of 9 people of which 4 are males and 5 are females
  • Joyce Mmbone serving total number of 8 people of which 4 are males and 4 are females
  • Musa Shatsia serving total number of  7 people of which 3 are males and 4 are females
  • Erica Lusumba serving total number of  12 people of which 7 are males and 5 are females
  • Ayub Yumatsi serving total number of 15 people of which 2 are males and 13 are female

Networking and Collaboration

During theprotection of the Bugondi spring, students from St. Jerome Savane youth polytechnic participated in the training during construction works of the spring, tank and VIPs. They aquired technical skills of the construction of the spring and VIPs.

A total number of 8 students participated in this process.

THANK YOU TWP FOR SUPPORTING THIS PROJECT.

Project Updates


May, 2020: COVID-19 Prevention Training Update at Bugondi/Lwenya Community, Bugondi Spring

Our teams are working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us in our fight against the virus while maintaining access to clean, reliable water.

Trainer Kayi leads handwashing lesson

We are carrying out awareness and prevention trainings on the virus in every community we serve. Very often, our teams are the first (and only) to bring news and information of the virus to rural communities like Bugondi/Lwenya, Kenya.

Trainer Olivia demonstrates handwashing with a leaky tin

We trained more than 57 people on the symptoms, transmission routes, and prevention of COVID-19. Before there were any reported cases in the area, we worked with trusted community leaders and the Water User Committee to gather community members for the training.

Community member washes her hands

At the time, social distancing was a new concept, and one that challenges cultural norms. Although some community members were hesitant to adopt social distancing during the training, we sensitized them on its importance and effectiveness in combating the spread of the virus.

Trainer Olivia reviews the prevention reminders chart

We covered essential hygiene lessons:

- Demonstrations on how to build a simple handwashing station

- Proper handwashing technique

- The importance of using soap and clean water for handwashing

- Cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces including at the water point.

Trainer Olivia passing out informational pamphlets on COVID-19

We covered COVID-19-specific guidance in line with national and international standards:

- Information on the symptoms and transmission routes of COVID-19

- What social distancing is and how to practice it

- How to cough into an elbow

- Alternative ways to greet people without handshakes, fist bumps, etc.

- How to make and properly wear a facemask.

Village elder speaks to the community at the training

During training, we installed a new handwashing station with soap near the community’s water point, along with a sign with reminders of what we covered.

Due to the rampant spread of misinformation about COVID-19, we also dedicated time to a question and answer session to help debunk rumors about the disease and provide extra information where needed.

All eyes on Trainer Kayi

We continue to stay in touch with this community as the pandemic progresses. We want to ensure their water point remains functional and their community stays informed about the virus.

Reviewing informational pamphlets

Water access, sanitation, and hygiene are at the crux of disease prevention. You can directly support our work on the frontlines of COVID-19 prevention in all of the communities we serve while maintaining their access to safe, clean, and reliable water.




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!


Contributors

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School