Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
The 140 people who live in the Buyangu Community rely on the Chamatoi Spring for their daily water needs. Although they can collect water here, it is not without serious risks. The condition of the spring poses a daily threat, stealing people's health, time, and well-being.
Field Officer Daniel Mwanzia shares the following about the spring's condition.
"This water point has a dysfunctional drainage channel, making water pool in the collection area. This means that residents have to stand in stagnant water as they collect this precious commodity, thereby risking contracting waterborne diseases. There is water that has diverted onto the stairs, making it unsafe to access the drawing point because it has become slippery. There is also overgrown grass, and the spring is generally poorly maintained. There is also a crack on the headwall with water oozing through," Daniel said.
Although the condition of the spring itself makes it challenging for community members to safely collect the water, the larger threat is unseen.
The spring needing protection.
"Though water from this water point may appear clean, it actually isn't. When put in a glass, it appears a bit cloudy and has a foul smell, possibly as a result of rotting vegetation or roots under the spring box," Daniel continued.
"Members of this community reported that drinking water from this source has caused frequent stomach illnesses, especially in children. Even though there is a chlorine dispenser at the water point, they still don't trust the water, and sometimes they have to boil it before drinking, which is an expensive exercise," he noted.
Farmer Richard Libabu, 62, is sadly all too familiar with the true costs of consuming the tainted water.
"About a month ago, two of my grandchildren fell ill, and we couldn't identify what the problem was. Both of them had severe abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea. I personally took them to the nearby mission hospital, but the diagnosis was inconclusive, and we were referred to a private hospital. They were diagnosed with typhoid, and the doctor confirmed the infection was a result of drinking contaminated water. [The] treatment cost a considerably high amount of money, which left a dent in my pocket," Richard shared.
"That incident scared me because at my age, I'm afraid of contracting such illnesses," he exclaimed.
But physical illness is not Mr. Libabu's only concern.
"I'm a small-scale farmer and basket maker. Any unplanned expenditure leaves a serious dent in my income. I dread getting sick because I'm the sole breadwinner in my family. Any illness that affects my ability to work is a loss for me because, as a basket maker, that would make me miss the targets I've set for myself. Sickness can also make me delay a customer's order, which can easily lead to loss of trust," he said.
Richard is very clear on the importance of access to clean water and why protecting the spring is crucial.
"Access to clean water is a basic human right, and no one should suffer the shame of lacking it. Suffering from an illness related to unclean water lowers one's dignity, and I don't want that to ever happen to my loved ones. For me, clean water is everything! Without clean water, I would be worried about my health and that of my family," he bravely shared.
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 possible 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 our team's guidance, the community elects a water user committee representative of its diverse members. This committee assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, organizing community efforts, and gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
