Bwanga Community

May, 2026: Bwanga Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"With access to clean water, I will save time and energy that used to be spent walking long distances to fetch water, and better focus on my farming and maybe start another small business. My children will also get more time to read and focus on their studies now that they have access to the new water point close to our home. I also believe it will help improve general health, which would mean fewer hospital visits. From the funds saved, I will now be able to pay my children's school fees and help them realize the dream I could not have, of getting [a] quality education," exclaimed Silcah Indeche.

Ms. Indeche.

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

Francis, 16, shared, "Having reliable water will help me learn better at school. I will not get to school late due to fetching water in the morning. I will also go to school clean. We will have enough clean water to drink at school, and this will help reduce sickness. If we stay healthy, we will not miss school."

Francis celebrates clean water!

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.

Constructing the foundation of the spring.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Cementing stones on either side fo the spring to protect the integrity of it.

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.

Plastering the spring walls.

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.

Installing tiles to protect the spring from erosion.

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.

Community member transplanting grass.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

The spring is complete!

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Bwanga Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Wesley, Amos, and Tracy deployed to the site to lead the event. 23 people attended the training, including 12 women and 11 men.

Facilitator Wesley Mayaka shared a funny moment from the training. "There were moments that made the training very lively. During the dental hygiene demonstrations, I tried speaking a few words in the local dialect that I had previously heard some community members say so that I could connect better with the participants. I wanted to make a point on gurgling of water in Luhya; however, I must have mispronounced the word, because the whole group burst into laughter. I could not help but laugh with them. After the session, some members even volunteered to help me pronounce the word correctly. What seemed like a disaster turned out to be a beautiful learning moment for all of us."

Dental hygiene lesson.

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.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which 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.

Ms. Indeche participates in the soapmaking training.

Ms. Indeche (previously quoted) shared, "I believe as a community we are on the right track when it comes to matters relating to hygiene. I also realized that, as many people do their best to stay clean and healthy, there is a lot of misinformation, especially when it comes to things like handwashing, dental care, and the use of soap. I never really knew that for all these years, I have been doing a lot of things wrong, especially regarding how I clean my teeth. Today, I learned that brushing teeth in a circular motion ensures little or no food remains in between my teeth, contrary to what I always thought. I have also come to understand that washing my hands using standing water poses a lot of health risks for my family and me. This training has really come at a very good time for us, especially for me, because I have small children. Now I can guide them to have better practices when it comes to their cleanliness."

Ms. Indeche.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Bwanga Community, Thanks to You!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Silcah Sylas Matayo and the entire Bwanga 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 Bwanga Community!