Rehabilitation Project
The Muchemo Community is busting at the seams, with 500 people calling it home. Everyone relies solely on the Muchemo Spring for water, which is breaking down and incredibly overcrowded.
The busy spring.
The spring was once protected, but ten years ago, it fell into a state of disrepair that has only gotten worse.
Twelve-year-old Esther likely doesn't remember a life with sufficient, clean water. The water crisis has been her normal experience, and her health and education have paid the price.
Esther.
The impact on her education is monumental. "Going to school on occasions without tea or drinking water impacts my academics negatively," Esther lamented.
But Esther is wise, and she's figured out a solution of her own. "A lot has changed so far. My siblings and I have had to devise a different modus of survival. We wake up earlier than others to fetch water in the morning and late in the evening," she explained.
But this plan creates more problems; it's exhausting work to go early and late and haul water all the way home. Even when she does go to school, there's little energy left in her reserve to focus on learning.
Such daily toil is a heavy burden for her young shoulders to carry.
Esther hauls water up the slippery slope.
But it's not the only one.
Due to the spring's low output and its dilapidated state, there are long lines of people always waiting for their turn to collect this precious resource. As you can imagine, tensions rise, and a community that was once filled with unity is now filled with desperation.
Esther has experienced the effects. "I get mocked, pushed around, and even made to take the last slot in the queue. At times, young ones like myself suffer harassment from adults at the waterpoint. At times, we get pushed down and we hurt ourselves in the falls."
Carrying water home.
Rightfully so, going to collect water is not a task that Esther feels safe doing. But she knows how much it means to her family. "[I feel] a little scared, especially when I know the waterpoint is full of unkind characters. But it's usually a great opportunity to assist at home," Esther declared.
Esther's words touched Field Officer Hosborn Bwana. He said, "When the little girl explained her troubles with bullies at the waterpoint, I felt her pain and wished I could resolve her problem instantly."
We have a plan to help solve Esther's problems in the Muchemo Community. Protecting and repairing the spring will ensure that the water flow increases, creating shorter wait times and alleviating stress on everyone. This will give them the opportunity to enhance their community relationships. Esther hopefully won't be bullied anymore and will have more time to study and play with her friends.
With a protected water source, Esther will have the chance to pursue what matters to her most. For Esther and for future generations, a protected spring means more than clean water — it means freedom to learn, play, and dream.
"I would assist [my] mother in rearing poultry and getting my grades up in school," Esther concluded.
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.
