Mukavakava Community 3

November, 2025: Mukavakava Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Mukavakava 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!

"Access to water will help my family and me to have a healthy lifestyle, which will help us to live longer and reduce the risks of diseases, thus allowing us to work towards our future hopes and dreams," shared 54-year-old farmer Lydia Omoding.

Lydia drinks clean water.

She went on to say, "One of the most important things in life is to have good health. This new waterpoint guarantees that for my children and grandchildren. Going forward, they won't have to worry about contracting waterborne illnesses, which negatively impact their lives."

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

Seventeen-year-old Jacob excitedly shared, "Reliable water will make it easier for me to have enough time after fetching water for my personal studies and later on improve my academic performance."

Jacob.

"This new waterpoint is easily accessible, and discharges so much water; therefore, it will help my parents to improve their agricultural produce through growing crops in all seasons, instead of relying on rain only," Jacob continued.

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.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Mukavakava 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 Rose Serete and Amos Emisiko deployed to the site to lead the event. Twelve people attended the training, including six women and six men. Although the number was lower than expected because many community members were working on their farms, those who attended promised to disseminate the information to the entire community.

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.

Dental hygiene session.

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.

Hand washing session.

"The participants were excited to be involved in the training and were eager to know how to improve their hygiene standards, especially on matters concerning water handling and storage," shared Field Officer Rose Serete.

Eunice helps in the soap-making session.

"The most interesting topic covered during the training was water hygiene, whereby I was able to understand the importance of safe water handling, transportation, and storage. This training has made me realize that we can prevent a lot of illnesses by practicing proper water handling, maintaining a clean environment, and keeping our bodies clean. I'll take it upon myself to share knowledge with those who missed the training," said 30-year-old newly appointed Secretary of the Water User Committee Eunice Otwan.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

September, 2025: Exciting Progress in Mukavakava Community!

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