Rehabilitation Project
In this part of the Emusioma Community, 350 residents live in constant fear of the very water that should sustain them.
Their only source of water is an unprotected spring, little more than a muddy puddle. Open to the elements, the spring is contaminated by animal waste and human activity. Residents have no alternative. Every day, they must choose between drinking unsafe water and going without.
The unprotected spring.
Field Officer Mary Afandi sees the consequences firsthand.
"Diarrhea and stomachache are common to this community. Mostly, children are really affected, so there is absenteeism in school because of sickness. This [lowers] their academic performance," said Ms. Afandi.
In Emusioma, water isn’t just a daily necessity — it’s a daily risk. Residents queue for hours to collect unsafe water, then use it for everything: cooking, drinking, cleaning, and bathing. It infiltrates every part of life. When illness strikes, treatment is costly and sometimes out of reach. For families already stretched thin, a single case of typhoid or diarrhea can bring financial ruin — or worse.
Maureen Mkhambi, 29, has become accustomed to this way of life. Even so, every day and every illness are scary.
Ms. Maureen Mkhambi.
"It is not good when my family takes water that harms them. When they become sick, I spend a lot of money for medication. Sometimes I don't have enough money to buy drugs and food, among other domestic needs," said Maureen.
For many, diarrhea doesn't sound life-threatening. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, it is the second leading cause of death in children younger than five. Something Maureen is well aware of.
Community members on their way to collect water - almost sure to make them ill.
"To say the truth, diarrhea can kill you when you don't have money for treatment. You can use the money or resources you have until you are depleted financially," Maureen lamented.
Having battled typhoid for so long, Maureen has to boil water for her father-in-law; it's a small measure of protection in a situation that they have little control over. "He is on medication. Sometimes he's tired of taking medicines. Nowadays, we boil water for him daily," she continued.
Maureen collects water from the spring.
Maureen has made the best of her reality. She cares for her family and tends her business the best she can with her current resources. Every illness is a setback that she continues to move forward from while bracing for the next one.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
With access to clean water, everything would change. Illnesses would decline. Money spent on treatment could go toward education, food, or growing a business. Children would stay in school. Parents could plan for the future.
"Indeed, water is life. Water is required in every aspect of human life. Water is everything to mankind, because without water, you cannot survive healthwise on planet earth."
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.
