Makuu Community

May, 2025: Makuu Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"The new waterpoint shall do away with long queues and overcrowding at the waterpoint, which led to time wastage. Collecting water has now been made quick by the availability of stairs, [a] clean drawing point, and two discharge pipes which discharges water so fast. Unlike in the past, where the drawing point was full of water, there were no stairs, and people would overcrowd," shared Emily Kadenyi, a local businesswoman.

Ms. Kadenyi.

"Victory belongs to those who work smart and are consistent in their undertakings, as a business woman and a small-scale farmer, who sees to it that I save [a] little coin by growing kales, arrow roots, and napier grass for sale. I'm guaranteed good proceeds because of plenty of water now available that [is] helpful to my crops," she added.

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

11-year-old Ivan shared, "Generally, good hygiene practices promote peace of mind and concentration in what one finds to do. With this reliable clean water, [it] implies [a] clean body, clean clothes to wear, clean food to eat, and clean, safe water for drinking. Hence, full dedication and concentration at school work result [in] better, improved class performance."

Ivan (left, blue shirt) at the newly protected 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.

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 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.

Beginning brickwork to build the structure of the spring.

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 pipes. The discharge pipes need 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 pipes without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

If we place the pipes 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.

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 pipes.

Plastering the spring and stairs.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipes. 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 pipes. 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.

Using large stones to backfill the spring.

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.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Makuu 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 deployed to the site to lead the event. 33 people attended the training, including 21 women and 12 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.

Training on spring care and maintenance.

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.

Facilitator Mildred Mboha said of the training, "The attendance exceeded the expectations. So many people turned up for the training, including young children who were on holiday. They showed up and made the training active and lively."

Hellen is participating in the soapmaking demonstration.

Hellen Shisambula participated in the training. We asked her what impacted her the most. She said, "Personal Hygiene stood out to be the most interesting topic. This is because, in addition to what the trainers talked about, what was shared were most of the daily things we do to make our body clean. So it stood out that we should embrace good personal hygiene practices just as we have always done."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2025: Exciting Progress in Makuu Community, Thanks to You!

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