Rehabilitation Project
This project is a part of our shared program with Western Water And Sanitation Forum. Our team is pleased to directly share the report below (edited for clarity, as needed).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This unprotected spring is located in Mumuli Village 7km away from Kakamega County Headquarters, off Kakamega – Ingotse road, Kakamega Central Sub-county, and Lurambi Division, Shikoti location, Murumba sub-Location, Butsotso East ward. The spring serves over 25 households with a total population 175 of people including children. The population is made up of 100 females and 75 males.
Justification
During vetting of the spring by the WASH staff, it was evident that the water and sanitation situation at the unprotected spring was wanting. The spring is located downhill and since it is not protected, the water source is open to contamination by surface run off. The community members using the spring admitted that there have been cases of water borne diseases. The most affected were the children and pregnant women
The water is used for drinking for both human and animals, cooking, and irrigation on the farms especially during the dry period.
With regard to water improvement, the community members stated they have been drinking that water since they were born and very few boil or disinfect it because they cannot afford buying chlorine for the treatment and firewood or boiling. They are forced to go to the forest in search of firewood which is risky for women and children and if they are found in the forest they need to pay a fine of five hundred shillings.
Sanitation is also a big problem as many people have no good latrines and others even use bushes, also contaminating the water.
The community members are in dire need of support and are urging WEWASAFO and The Water Project to consider them and protect the spring so that they can reduce diarrhea diseases and reduce time wasted in order to engage in other economic activities.
Results of the Project:
Spring Protection
Protection of Marko Mutamba Mumuli spring is complete and now in use.
Before protection, water quality samples were collected from the spring and taken to the government laboratory for tests.The results revealed that the water from the spring was both bacteriologically and E. Coli contaminated. But now with protection and proper conservation of the water catchment area, the level of contamination has been completely minimized. Cases of water borne diseases are now expected to greatly reduce.
The community members are happy to use the spring since they know for sure that they are getting safe water. They are also confident that with the training they received from the WEWASAFO Wash team, they will now take sanitation and hygiene to the next level.
All Thanks to The Water Project for their continuous support to the community members.
Sanitation Platforms
Household sanitation platforms (cement slabs for latrine construction) have been installed for the community members who benefitted from them and are now using them.
Simon, one of the slab beneficiaries really thanked The Water Project for casting a slab for his family. He admitted that they can now use the toilet as opposed to the previous situation where they were forced to use the bush. Hygiene and Sanitation has improved in their home. Other community members are keen to replicate the same in their homes.
