Gimunge Community

April, 2026: Gimunge Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Mr. Mukwese.

"I will be fetching water anytime without any worries of overcrowding at the water point because now [the] water discharge [is] high and within some seconds my jerrican is full. [The] time recovered will help me to concentrate on farming activities, which [will] lead to more food production, and the surplus will be sold to earn income," said Allan Mukwese, a 49-year-old farmer.

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

"Access to reliable, clean, and safe water was a dream to me. I will no longer be affected by water-related illnesses, which had affected my health negatively. I will no longer miss going to school because of seeking medication for water-related illnesses. I will be attending school always, and that will result in good performance because I will be able to concentrate on my studies," shared 13-year-old Brunce.

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.

Backfilling above the spring to protect its water quality.

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.

A community member plants grass above the spring.

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 Gimunge 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 Nelly Chebet, Rachel Obura, Jonathan Mutai, Wesley Marisha, and Tracy Caro deployed to the site to lead the event. 18 people attended the training, including ten women and eight 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.

Oral hygiene session.

Moreen Muhonje, 38, a farmer who shared her experience with the training.

Ms. Muhonje.

"[The] soap-making process was the most interesting topic. Personally, knowing how to make soap is one of the greatest things I have learned today. I have never seen how soap was made. I thought soap was only manufactured in industries with machines, not by humans. Today, I have acquired a new skill of how soap is made, which will not only improve my hygiene but also be one of my income-generating activities apart from farming."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Gimunge Community!

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