Rehabilitation Project
The Mundoli Community has 217 residents, all of who rely on Thomas Senyenje Spring, which is in bad shape. Though it was once protected, it has since fallen into disrepair and is not functioning as it should. The water it produces is dangerous to consume, but unfortunately, they have no other choice.
The spring in need of protection.
40-year-old Thomas Senyenje, a local farmer, shared his family's harrowing experience.
"Last year, my family experienced firsthand the consequences of drinking unsafe water from our community's partially protected spring. My younger sibling fell seriously ill, suffering from intense stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming the contaminated water. It was a distressing time for our family as we rushed them to the clinic for medical treatment."
"Witnessing their pain and discomfort was heartbreaking, and it made us acutely aware of the dangers posed by our current water source. This experience underscored the urgent need for improvements to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in our community."
Mr. Senyenje.
Thomas lives in fear of the very water he and his family need to survive. He knows that every time he or a family member falls ill, he will have to make the choice to pay for medical care or meet their other needs.
"I usually resort to over-the-counter medications and anti-diarrheal pills when I fall ill due to drinking contaminated water. These treatments help alleviate the symptoms temporarily, but they don't solve the underlying problem. As for the financial aspect, yes, medical expenses can be quite burdensome for me. They often eat into my limited income, making it even more challenging to afford basic necessities like food and education for my children. It's a constant struggle to balance my health needs with the financial realities I face," Thomas continued.
Not only does Thomas sacrifice his health and income, but the water crisis also consumes his time. Protecting the spring can change the narrative for Thomas and the rest of the Mundoli Community.
"If I didn't have to spend so much of my day fetching water, I would use that time to focus on education and income generation. I would ensure that my children attend school regularly, allowing them to receive a quality education without interruptions. With the extra time, I could also engage in income-generating activities such as starting a small business or tending to our farm, which would contribute to our family's financial stability. Additionally, I would use some of the time for community engagement, participating in local projects aimed at improving infrastructure or providing support to those in need," he shared.
Living without safe water highlights its importance for Thomas. He answered passionately when we asked what water meant to him.
"To me, water isn't just a basic necessity; it's the essence of life itself, especially given the challenges we currently face. Clean water means good health and well-being for ourselves and our families. It's the difference between spending our days battling waterborne illnesses and thriving with vitality. With reliable access to clean water, I could redirect the countless hours spent fetching water toward activities that could uplift our livelihoods."
"My children could attend school regularly, uninterrupted by water-related chores or sickness, allowing them to pursue their education and break the cycle of poverty. Moreover, clean water is essential for community development. It's the foundation upon which we can build a better future, attracting investment, improving living standards, and fostering a sense of pride and prosperity in our community. In every sense, water truly is life for us, holding the key to a brighter and more hopeful tomorrow," he concluded.
Clean water access will change Thomas' life; protecting the spring is the first step.
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.
