Rehabilitation Project
140 people in the Ifwetere Community rely on the Meshack Injene Spring, which needs serious repairs. It is often overcrowded, creating long lines of women and children who cannot work or study.
Long ago, the community came together to raise money to protect the spring; however, it was only a temporary fix. The stairs are in complete disrepair, and the collection pipe lets out little more than a trickle of water. The Ifwetere Community needs a lasting solution to really have the opportunity to thrive.
Elvis is 13 years old and understands this burden all too well. He is the oldest child in his family and gladly takes on the responsibilities that come with that title. But he spends so much of his time waiting to collect water and haul it home that his education often suffers. His childhood is one filled with more duties than time to play.
"This waterpoint serves a lot of people from the entire community. Most of the time, you will find people. The water coming from the pipe is little; some water is passing beneath the head wall. It [takes] some time to fill containers," he shared.
Even when he is at school, he is sent to collect water from this spring, taking even more valuable time from his education.
Elvis shared how the water crisis interrupts his learning opportunities. "During exam periods, I have to prepare myself well. At school, we always fetch water in the evening from this spring. I waste some time that I could have used to revise (study) or prepare for examinations."
Instead of enjoying a childhood full of play and possibility, Elvis spends his evenings in long lines waiting for water to complete his chores, his education constantly interrupted by a crisis he did not create.
The Ifwetere Community longs for more than temporary fixes. A safe, reliable water source would transform daily life—freeing women and children from endless queues, protecting health, and opening the door to education and opportunity.
For Elvis and the 140 people who rely on the Meshack Injene Spring, clean water isn’t just about quenching thirst. It’s about restoring time, dignity, and hope. With clean water access, the people of Ifwetere can build a lasting solution and finally have the chance to thrive.
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 possible 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.
