Emusioma Community 2

January, 2026: Emusioma Community Spring Protection Complete!

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!

"The access to water will help my children and grandchildren have enough time for studies and for playing. This is because the time they used to waste at the spring will now be redeemed by the current easy access. They will then perform better all around for a brighter future," exclaimed 65-year-old Pauline Oketh.

Pauline celebrates clean water.

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

"My learning at school will be impacted positively because of not taking [a] long time at the Spring. I will be able to have enough time to do my homework on time and sleep early to prepare for the next day to go to school. This will lead to improvement in my performance at school," 11-year-old Gloria shared.

Gloria drinks clean water.

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.

Excavating the spring.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Plastering.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through the discharge pipe only. 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.

Backfilling with stones.

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.

Community member helps plant grass to prevent erosion.

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 Emusioma Community.

The spring protection is complete!

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 Mary Afandi, Daisy Khatunyi, Daniel Mwanzia, and Victor Musemi deployed to the site to lead the event. Thirteen community members attended the training, including six women and seven 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.

Community members learn how to make soap!

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.

Facilitator Mary Afandi described the event. "The participants were very attentive and active during training sessions. Most of them asked questions, mostly about the protected spring for posterity. One of the community members shouted, "Now we have reliable, clean, and safe water, and also stairs to access the water point. We are supposed to be clean, the way our spring is clean and protected." This made participants laugh."

Perita participates in hygiene training.

Perita Mulando is the secretary of the water user committee. She attended the training and shared, "I now see how good hygiene is very important. It is one way that we protect ourselves from waterborne diseases. I will share what I have been taught, and I will apply [it] at [the] family level and the entire community at large."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

November, 2025: Exciting Progress in Emusioma Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Maureen and the entire Emusioma Community. Construction has begun on the protected spring 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 Emusioma Community!