Chombeli North Community

October, 2024: Chombeli North Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Chombeli North Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser was 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!

"With the water source now protected, I hope that my family, especially my children, will no longer experience water-related diseases. I have had to spend my hard-earned little money on medication whenever my family members fall sick," said Esther Amido, a local farmer.

Esther celebrating.

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

"I will be able to fetch a lot of water in a very short time and be able to do other things, including playing with my fellow children since it's easy to fetch now. Our domestic animals will have enough water, same [as] our household. There will be no blame game concerning who removed the improvised discharge pipe that we used to have here before spring protection," said 14-year-old Algiers.

Algiers collecting water.

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.

The community provided a great deal of help with the project.

"The community put forward their best foot when it came to gathering materials and constructing the spring. The young and old ferried the locally available materials to the site using carts, carrying [them] on their heads and even dragging it on the ground as long as it reached the site. The young men used wheelbarrows to bring clay soil from the river for backfilling. Women used baskets to gather grass that would be planted at the spring. Everyone took part in helping the artisan clear and excavate the spring for construction," shared Field Officer Lillian Achieng'.

Protecting the 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.

Starting brickwork.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Plastering the walls.

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 transplanting grass.

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 got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

The completed spring.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Chombeli North Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Lillian Achieng' deployed to the site to lead the event. 26 people attended the training, including 16 women and 10 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 who 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.

Janet (right) helps trainer Lillian Achieng' demonstrate proper handwashing during the training.

"Water safety handling and storage was the topic that prompted [the] most discussion from the participants. The trainer explained the importance of safe water handling water from the source to storage. The community members were interested to know how water would be contaminated between those two points. They keenly followed as the trainer explained how water carried in open containers could get dirt from the falling leaves, dust from the farms being cultivated, or even their very own fingers if dipped in the filled containers. They understood that spring protection alone was not enough to keep their water clean after fetching it. Good handling and storage would be key," said Field Officer Lillian.

"The training was captivating and educative. I have learned a lot about the importance of having safe water and maintaining good health," said Joseck Nganasa, a 47-year-old farmer and the newly elected Secretary of the Water User Committee.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

September, 2024: Chombeli North Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Chombeli North Community costs people time, energy, and health every single day. Clean water scarcity contributes to community instability and diminishes individuals’ personal progress.

Thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news soon!