Eshianda Community

March, 2026: Eshianda Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Ms. Pricilla Omuketi.

"The water point is well constructed and protected, free from contamination. This means diseases, such as typhoid and cholera, are gone or will never occur to us. Good health ensures my children and grandchildren's education is uninterrupted. Time spent looking for water can be directed to other chores as accessibility has been made easier," shared Pricilla Omuketi, a 56-year-old farmer and vice chair of the water user committee.

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

Bramwell celebrates clean water!

"It will help me get enough time to help my parents with the house chores and help my siblings with their assignments too, as I get to my studies without delay. When I grow up, I'd like to be a scientist and help my community solve relatable issues of water and environment, just as you solve the problem of communities and schools that lack water," celebrated Bramwell, who we spoke to when we first visited the community and discovered their water needs.

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 received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

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

"The local leader, pastor, and church elders, who were very supportive during the construction process, were able to attend with the community members. The day started off with a word of prayer and encouragement from the pastor, and the village leader, Ms. Liguru, who extended her gratitude to us for the well-done job and for choosing their area spring," shared Field Officer, Daisy Khatunyi.

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 Daisy Khatunyi, Amos Emisiko, and Daniel Mutuku deployed to the site to lead the event. 21 people attended the training, including 12 women and nine 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.

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.

"We were discussing brushing teeth, and we were giving alternatives of what to use at home when one does not have toothpaste. One community member said ash, another salt, but there was one who gave soap as an example, and the whole community was surprised to the extent of others laughing so loud. The trainer was able to correct that, informing them of the correct alternatives. She explained that soap is not recommended for mouth use; it is strictly applied [to the] outer body. Participants were encouraged to at least get toothpaste of the capacity that they can afford or use [a] little salt," shared Field Officer Daisy Khatunyi.

"I was picked to demonstrate how I brush my teeth routinely. I just did my normal routine which was not correct, but I was able to learn that; one is supposed to put a pea-sized toothpaste on the toothbrush, then put the toothbrush in an upright position while storing it, and I was able to learn that one should brush at least twice a day- in the morning and in the evening before going to bed. Another one was handwashing, where I learned that there are ten steps of hand washing, and if followed and used daily, it will help avoid some of the stomach-related issues," said Bramwell, quoted earlier.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

January, 2026: Exciting Progress in Eshianda Community!

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