Rehabilitation Project
The 105 residents of the Mukuyu Community only have the once-protected Likindu Spring as their primary water source, but it is dangerous to access, and its water is even more dangerous to consume.
A child precariously attempting to collect water.
"Accessing the water source is a major challenge for most members of the community, particularly during the rainy season, as there are no stairs to aid in navigating to the source. This has resulted in water rationing among the young and elderly, which affects other water-related activities such as washing clothes and utensils, [and] watering animals and crops during the dry season," Field Officer Rachael Obura shared.
Twelve-year-old Gladys lives the realities of this spring's disarray every day.
Gladys.
"The current state of the waterpoint poses a risk to the health of its members. The access section to [the] waterpoint is worn out, making it easy for people to get injured while trying to fetch water. Moreover, the water quality is compromised, which makes it unsafe for drinking. This can lead to water-related infections and illnesses," Gladys said.
Community members wait to collect water as a child climbs into the spring.
Accessing the spring to collect water is difficult, and people are injured in the process. Climbing out while carrying a forty-pound jerrycan full of contaminated water is even more difficult, especially for young children and people with physical challenges.
This arduous process is long and difficult. Due to overcrowding, long lines often prevent Gladys from studying or arriving at school on time.
Community members waiting to collect water.
"I like to fetch water very early in the morning before going to school or late in the evening after school. However, sometimes there are long queues at the water point, which makes it time-consuming. This takes away the time I could have spent doing my school work," Gladys shared.
Bringing water home.
All of the detriments of the unprotected spring make life very hard. Gladys feels the tension of trying to meet her and her family's needs but giving up valuable time to collect water, which is likely to make them sick.
"Standing at the crowded waterpoint irritates me. Waiting for over five minutes feels like a waste of time," Gladys vented.
Protecting her community spring will properly filter the naturally flowing water to make it safe for consumption and collection quicker. Adding stairs is also part of the protection process, which will save Gladys and the rest of the community from future injuries.
Clean, accessible water will make a big difference for Gladys and the rest of the Mukuyu Community. When the water crisis is alleviated, renewed hope will give Gladys the opportunity to pursue her goals.
"I aspire to complete my education and help my family and village overcome the shortage of water," Gladys shared.
Steps Toward a Solution
Our technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. They decided to safeguard the existing flowing spring.
Spring Protection
Springs are natural water sources that originate from deep underground. As water travels through various layers of the earth, it undergoes a natural filtration process, making it cleaner and safer to drink. To protect these spring sources from contamination, we construct a waterproof cement structure around layers of clay, stone, and soil. This design channels the spring water through a discharge pipe, facilitating easier, faster, and cleaner water collection.
Chlorine Dispenser
As an extra measure towards water quality safety, uniquely engineered chlorine dispensers are installed at all of our spring protection projects so community members can treat their water with pre-measured doses of chlorine. The chlorine treats any residual contamination and stays active for two to three days, ensuring water stays safe to use even when stored at home. Chlorine delivery and maintenance of the dispensers are part of our ongoing community support.
Community Education & Ownership
Hygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community. Encouraged and supported by the guidance of our team, a water user committee representative of the community's diverse members assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, often gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
