Rehabilitation Project
The 210 community members of Ikhanyi have tried to resolve their water crisis, but without someone who has expertise in how to fix their crumbling John Okoth Spring, they are left to fend for themselves. Their dysfunctional spring disrupts their daily lives and their community's sense of unity.
Community members waiting to collect water.
Because of the current condition of spring, it is difficult to access it safely. People tussle for a place in line to collect water from the one functional collection pipe so they can get back to other critical things in their daily lives. The pressure inevitably leads to conflict among community members.
"During the dry season, when people from other areas come to collect water, a lot of time is spent, and this is due to overcrowding of people waiting to fetch water. We normally quarrel at a point or end up not speaking to one another, which forces our village elder to intervene and settle the dispute amicably," said 34-year-old Noel Obuya.
Noel collecting water from the unprotected spring.
"I have experienced harassment while waiting for water at the spring. The elderly people believe it's their right to draw water first. To them, it does not matter who came first. Most of them do not queue [as] they claim to have a lot of duties back at home. I have never been happy with this kind of behavior," continued Noel.
Disunity is not the only challenge. Noel simply wants to be able to collect the water she needs to complete her daily responsibilities without running the risk of her or her children hurting themselves.
Noel washes her family's dishes.
"Water is life. In every aspect of life people need water to live. Water really helps me in doing my daily activities like cooking food, washing clothes, drinking, and bathing. Life has never been easy since the water point broke down. I have difficulties in accessing water," said Noel.
A child hangs on as he tries to collect water from the spring.
"The current water source has [a] poor access point. Children can easily get injured. At some point, when it rains heavily, the area becomes slippery; someone can easily fall, and even containers can't stand on [their] own without any support. To me, safety is a priority, and no one can mind the safety of my children without [me] minding it," she continued.
If Noel and her family could access water quickly and safely, she believes they can make progress, and her family's future can be brighter.
"The new water point will be of great help to my family at large; this will ensure that I have peace of mind when [I] am sending children to collect water and [have] no doubt about their safety. Children will be able to fetch water easily, and accessing [the] collection point will be safe for them. Having enough time as a farmer, I will ensure that each and every activity of the house is done on time so that I can embark on looking after my cows to ensure that I get maximum production from them," concluded Noel.
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.
