April, 2025: Namagara Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"My life revolves in this community as a farmer. Easy access to this spring will save on my time, which I will spend on my farm, which is my source of livelihood. I won't waste time navigating my way down [to] or up [from] the spring, especially during the rainy season. With extra money from produce in my pocket, my children will have their education paid for, and this will see them forge into their future with confidence. When I produce more on my farm, my children will have enough food even after selling some. The new spring has turned into my time saver instead of [the] time waster that it used to be. This time will be turned into money through farming more," shared Centrine Madagi, a 23-year-old farmer and mother in the community.

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

12-year-old Laban is hopeful for the change the spring protection will bring. "A lot will improve for me because I'll get water quickly due to the new staircases creating more time to study while at home and also play with my friends. I will fetch more water for my mum, unlike before when the terrain used to limit me. I used to be afraid to come to the spring because of two things. The first one [was] fear of falling, and the second one [was] breaking my container, but all these were always kept in my heart because I didn't want to disappoint my mum and also look like a coward. The new waterpoint has eliminated this fear."

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.

Setting 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Namagara 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. 19 people attended the training, including 14 women and 5 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.

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.

"The participants' enthusiasm for the training was demonstrated when it started raining in the middle of the training. They carried the training materials into the house, continued with the training and still brought them out to continue with the training when the rains stopped. They also took part in the practical sessions cheerfully," shared Field Officer Lillian Achieng.

50-year-old Jael Jairus found the hygiene and sanitation training very educative! "I would say all topics were interesting but personal hygiene stood out for me. There are things I've always done wrong unknowingly. [An] example is how I've been brushing [my] teeth and washing my hands. All along, I've been brushing my teeth at the wrong times, i.e., before meals, and also using the wrong motions, brush, and toothpaste. Today, I've learned how to wash my hands correctly and when to wash them. I have never known that not drying my inner wears to dry completely can cause me more harm than good."

Jael Jairus.

"I have learned that soap and water go hand in hand when it comes to hygiene. The soap making session crowned the training because I will make soap to use at home and also sell to create some income for me," she concluded.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2025: Exciting Progress in Namagara Community, Thanks to You!

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