Rehabilitation Project
The 140 residents of Eshianda Community depend solely on a natural spring for their daily water needs. Unfortunately, the water from this source has been causing illness among the community members, but without an alternative water source, they are compelled to continue using this contaminated water, putting their health at risk.
Child in the contaminated water.
Field Officer Jonathon Mutai describes the spring: "The waterpoint is broken, hence [it's] exposed to agents of contamination. Besides that, every time water users go for water, they have to step on stagnated water in [the] collection area. The water is not hygienic."
15-year-old Bramwell experiences the hardships of his community's water crisis daily. He is often sick due to water-related illnesses.
He shared with us a recent experience. "After taking super at home, I took a glass of water before going to sleep. Very early in the morning, I woke up as usual to prepare myself before leaving for school. While in class, I felt uncomfortable [because] of [a] cold and fever. When lessons began, I felt some pains in my stomach. When [it] persisted, I informed my class teacher and excused myself. I left to lay under a tree, where I had severe pains, which made me roll from one point to the other. I later found myself at a health care center with my mother sitting on my side."
"When sick, the body is also weak; hence, you will not concentrate in class. Also, the situation may change when at school, making it hard to get assistance that you could have gotten if [you were] at home," he added.
Bramwell.
As you can imagine, Bramwell had to miss school to recover from his illness.
Bramwell knows all too well how precious time is. Even when he is well, the long lines waiting to fetch water in the spring steal time from his education and free time.
"Kids like us do experience challenges at the waterpoint. You go with one container, but you have to wait for someone with ten containers to draw water, which they can't carry all at the same time," he shared.
Long lines at the spring.
The whole situation is incredibly frustrating for Bramwell; he can't drink the water without getting sick, and even collecting it has stolen his time than could be spent preparing for his future.
"I feel so disappointed, imagining stepping on water that left your feet so itchy after drawing water," he shared.
Deep, dangerous stagnate water.
Field Officer Jonathon Mutai shared, "[This] community is in dire need of a new water point to help them have access to clean water free from contamination and the current rusty taste that has made most [people] hate drinking water fetched from this spring because of its bad smell and taste."
Children collecting water.
Protecting the Eshianda Community Spring will allow Bramwell and the other children to consistently attend school and drink water without fear. Repairing the spring means no more standing in stagnant water, a breeding ground for waterborne illnesses.
With access to clean, safe water, Bramwell can achieve his dreams. "My dream for [the] future is to become a teacher to impart knowledge to the rest of my community members."
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.
