Rehabilitation Project
In the Malichi Community, 175 people rely on Weyusia Chimakuti Spring which they've tried to protect so they can collect safe water. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful, and people often fall sick due to the water they consume.
A community member collecting water.
Though the water looks clear, it is wreaking havoc on their lives, and the water crisis is stealing from every aspect of these hard-working people's lives.
Eight-year-old Trizah is using too much of her time to collect water, which degrades her health.
Trizah.
"I drank water from this spring recently and fell sick. I vomited and [had] diarrhea for three days non-stop. I had to pause my school attendance, too," she shared.
"I get sick each time I drink water directly from this spring without boiling or treating it. Whenever I'm sick, I have to put a pause on my school work since my concentration will be fully affected," she continued.
Trizah carries her heavy water jug home.
The water crisis in the Malichi Community makes for a hard life, especially for children like young Trizah. She does her best, but it's a vicious cycle of poverty that she's stuck in.
We asked her how she felt when sent to collect water, "Frustration is always the feeling I feel. This is because the road leading to the spring is quite slippery, especially when wet."
Making the journey home.
Trizah and the rest of her community live in fear of their only water supply. Every time they drink, they gamble on whether they will remain healthy or suffer the side effects of unsafe water, but they have no other option.
Protecting the spring will change Trizah's reality. She will have access to safe water that will improve her life and give her the tools she needs to chase her dreams.
"My plan for the future is to work hard in my studies to perform during examination time. I will no longer have to worry about the safety of water," Trizah 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.
