Wechinia Community 2

September, 2024: Wechinia Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Thirty-seven-year-old Selina Wilson, a local farmer, had a lot to share about what clean water access means to her!

"Protection of this spring has come with a lot of benefits. For instance, as a community, we will have ample time [to] fetch clean and reliable water. Secondly, the issue of queuing and overcrowding at the waterpoint has been solved completely because after directing all water sources [to] one point, the yield has increased, [and this] saves time. Lastly, the community members have been trained on various issues regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene matters, which I strongly believe that if we put whatever was taught into practice, our lives will never be the same again," she said.

Selina Wilson.

"Drinking clean and safe water makes a home happy and healthy. Having a good and healthy life is good because it saves money," Selina continued.

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

Hyness, a sixteen-year-old, is excited about the possibilities that come with clean water for him.

"I will use less time than before to collect water [and] thereafter have all the time to do my studies and even time to spend with my friends whenever we are free, [which is] something that has not been happening," he shared.

Hyness.

"I will be at school throughout the school calendar, which will improve my performance, and in case there is anything I did not understand, I will have time to go and see my teachers for clarification," Hyness continued, with a renewed hope for the future.

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 gather resources needed for spring protection.

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.

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.

Excavating the spring site.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs.

Constructing the walls.

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.

Setting stones to deter contamination.

We then cemented and plastered the spring 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 spring 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.

Setting the tiles.

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 the reservoir.

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 carry grass to plant above the spring to prevent erosion.

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 Wechinia Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

The spring is now protected!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Stella Inganji and Betty Muhongo deployed to the site to lead the event. Twenty-five people attended the training, including fifteen women and ten 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.

Handwashing training.

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 very cooperative and attentive all throughout the sessions, wanting to learn and understand everything about hygiene and sanitation," shared Field Officer Stella Inganji.

Site maintenance was a popular topic. The community was eager to learn how to care for their newly protected spring. It was a productive discussion about the community's current habits and how to create new ones that will enable their clean water source to remain a sustainable waterpoint.

Site maintenance training.

Metrine Musungu, Water User Committee Treasurer, shared the topic that impacted her life most.

Metrine.

"Hygiene is a paramount thing in a community, but proper hygiene practices are very essential for good health. Our community has not been doing good based on what we were trained on, but moving forward, we are going to change our ways to proper practices," Metrine said.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2024: Wechinia Community Spring Protection Underway!

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

But thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are now working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news in the near future!