Rehabilitation Project
The 277 people in the Bulupi Community struggle to access safe, sufficient water. Although Julius Mbulishe Spring may look like it provides plenty of clean water, looks are deceiving when it comes to contamination that can not be seen. This group was uniquely determined and attempted to protect the spring on their own, so they pooled their funds, gathered materials, and hired someone. Yet, despite their efforts, without expertise, the spring remains open to contamination and needs to be properly protected.
"Two years ago, all the water was diverted, and we, the community members, contributed materials and some money to have it repaired, but it did not turn out as we had hoped. The workmanship was not great, and as a result, we got a little disappointed," shared a local farmer, Sarah Angatia, 48.
Fifteen-year-old Wilberforce deals with the effects of his community's water crisis every day. Like many children in Kenya, he is responsible for collecting water for his family.
Wilberforce collecting water from the unprotected spring.
"It takes [a] long [time] to fetch water because I don't stay close to the spring, and I have to make several trips to get the required amount of water for use," he shared.
"Since the spring started spilling over, I have to be a lot [more] cautious while coming to the spring. There are times when there are a lot of insects and crawling animals [in] the spring."
Since Wilberforce has to make several trips a day, he loses the crucial time he needs to focus on his education, especially when he has to wait his turn to collect water.
Community members at the spring waiting to collect water.
"Sometimes, I can not get the assignments done in good time because we do not have enough water at home. So I have to do them late in the evening or very early in the morning," Wilberforce shared.
When all his time is spent collecting water and then trying to catch up on his homework, it leaves little room in his life for anything else.
With access to clean and safe water, Wilberforce can easily gather the water his family needs, concentrate on his education, and enjoy time with his friends.
Wilberforce lugging his water home.
"I would use that time to play with my friends and complete some of the assignments given at school. When I grow up, I want to be a pilot," concluded Wilberforce.
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.
