Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Project Phase:  Raising Funds
Estimated Install Date (?):  2025

Project Features


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The Shikulu Community of 238 residents relies only on Shanda Mukhwami Spring for all its water needs. With so many people relying on it daily, the community members often waste time waiting in long lines. What's even more challenging is that the water they wait so long to collect often causes severe health consequences.

"The spring is surrounded by human activities, [and] the backfilled area is not completely closed; hence, water gets contaminated," shared Field Officer Victor Musemi.

15-year-old Laureen shared her experience with her community's water crisis.

Laureen.

"The spring has many people, thus making it have a longer queue, which causes [an] overcrowding of people. Quarreling has been happening, especially at [the] evening when each and everyone wants to collect water before the darkness arrives," she said.

Everyone waiting for their turn.

"Collecting water affects my time at school; I have to take [so] much [more] time fetching water than doing my assignments," she continued.

Laureen and the rest of the community have watched the spring deteriorate more and more every day. The stairs are no longer safe, making collecting water risky.

"Life has changed since the breaking down of the water source. [It] has [been] so difficult accessing [the spring] because the staircase has been completely worn out," she continued.

Tensions in the community continue to grow, making Laureen feel unsafe collecting water from the spring alone.

Carrying water home together.

"When [I] am sent to collect water, I normally feel tired and also [have] fear of [the] unknown, which normally happens to me. I have to go and pick my friends [up] nearby so that we are a group of many people [who] can protect one another," Laureen bravely shared.

Protecting the Shikulu Community Spring will give Laureen the opportunity to live in peace in her community. She won't have to sacrifice all her time waiting in line, which will give her the chance to play and study. With a new hope, Laureen can chase her dreams.

Laureen.

"My future plan is focusing on my academics, which can make me a successful person in life. Through that, I will be able to help my community on matters concerning health issues and even improving their hygiene," she 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 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.

We're just getting started, check back soon!


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Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!


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