January, 2025: Lukorido Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"I will enjoy drinking clean and safe water, unlike before when I usually contracted waterborne diseases as a result of consuming dirty water. The money I have been spending on treatment can be used to clear school fees for my grandchildren. My son, Andrew, will live a healthy life, be able to concentrate on his manual work, and be a better person in society," shared 62-year-old farmer Catherine Ibrahim.

Ms. Ibrahim.

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

"I will be able to concentrate on my studies and maximize the available time to revise well for my exams. My parents will have an easy time collecting water, unlike before. Also, the hard-earned money they have been using for typhoid treatment can be saved for future use," said eleven-year-old Benjamin.

Benjamin (left) at the spring.

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.

Community members gathering materials.

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 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.

Excavating the spring.

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 the 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.

Setting 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.

Cementing stones to protect the spring.

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 and stairs.

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.

Tile setting.

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.

Backfilling.

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.

Community members planting grass around the spring.

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.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Lukorido Community.

The spring is complete!

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 Gladys and Nelly deployed to the site to lead the event. Twenty-two people attended the training.

Training begins.

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.

"They were willing and ready to learn despite having a lot of work to do. Some of the participants were having their sugarcane harvested that day but having told them about the training prior to the training date they didn't fail to show up. This clearly showed commitment and enthusiasm for the training," said facilitator Gladys.

33-year-old Rachel Nanja, a local farmer, shared what she gained from the training.

Ms. Rachel Nanja.

"This training has enabled me [to] learn new ideas and skills I knew nothing about, for example ten steps of hand washing, dental hygiene and soap making process. This will go a long way in improving hygiene practices and standards in my community."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

December, 2024: Exciting Progress in Lukorido Community!

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