Ebunuku Community

September, 2025: Ebunuku Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Ebunuku Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is 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!

"I will no longer have to take a lot of time to fetch water like before. Accessing water now through the pipe has not only made my work easier but also more comfortable. I can go to fetch water at any convenient time and do my other chores promptly. Since water is now reliable and can be easily fetched, I will be able to supply to nearby construction sites at a fee, and in return, that will be a source of income to my household," shared 38-year-old farmer Monicah Ayeta.

Ms. Ayeta at the protected spring.

"My children will be safe from water-related illness, and that will enable them to live a healthy life. When healthy, they will concentrate on their studies, leading to good results. My Children will enjoy healthy lives as a result of consuming clean water, and they will not encounter water-related illness like before," celebrated Monicah.

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

"Since there will be no time wasted, I will be able to concentrate on my studies and ensure that I improve on my performance towards achieving my future dream of being a teacher. I fetch water quickly, go back home to help my parents with some house chores, and create time to do homework," declared 11-year-old Paul.

Paul collects clean water.

"The new water point will help my parents have [an] easy time fetching water, unlike before, when fetching water was a struggle, hence a lot of time was wasted in the process. The time that they used to waste will now be used on income-generating activities to better our lives," Paul said excitedly.

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.

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.

"I feel hopeful for this group because of its remarkable journey to get clean water. Fetching water before was a tedious process because jerrycans used to be tilted for water to get in. Now, collecting water has been eased by access through the discharge pipe. Also, the water catchment area is no longer prone to contamination like before. They will be happier and healthier," said Gladys Chepkorir, a field officer.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Ebunuku 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 Gladys and Joel deployed to the site to lead the event. 21 people attended the training, including 11 women and 10 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.

Training participants.

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 session on proper hand washing was eye-opening for both participants and trainers.

"When some participants were done demonstrating how they do handwashing in their homes, everyone burst into laughter. Most pointed out that they were lying to please the trainer and admitted that they had never used running water; instead, they have been using stagnant water where one person washes his or her hands and passes it to the next person," shared field officer Gladys.

Thankfully, after trainers shared the ten steps to proper handwashing, which include rinsing thoroughly under running water, the participants now understand the importance of not using stagnant water, so they can prevent the spread of disease.

Mr. Patrick Matete.

Patrick Matete, a 48-year-old farmer and the newly appointed Chairman of the Water User Committee, shared his sentiments about the training.

Training session on how to make soap.

"Soapmaking was the most interesting topic to me because I have now known [the] reagents used, where to get them, and the entire soap-making process. This training has been of great help to my community members because, having learned to make soap, they can maintain their hygiene by practicing hand washing with soap and, at the same time, empower themselves and also sell it to earn [an] income," Patrick said.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

August, 2025: Exciting Progress in the Ebunuku Community!

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