Rehabilitation Project
In the heart of the Elukaka Community, 350 residents rely on a spring that is treacherous to access and requires most of their time just to await their turn to collect water. The only other option is a dug well, which is highly seasonal and often unavailable.
Community member hauls water home up the rocky terrain.
"The waterpoint is not clean, [and] the drainage canal needs to be cleaned. At [the] spring box, some of the community members pass by with their animals; fencing is needed. The spring needs repairs [and] stairs so that it can be easy for them to access the waterpoint. The community members need to have training on hygiene and sanitation," explained Field Officer Mary Afandi.
In its state of disrepair, the spring creates more problems than it solves. There are often long lines, which means community members must make the difficult trek to the spring and then wait to climb down into it, fill their jerrycans, lift them, and begin the uphill walk home.
It's a labourious task. One that 12-year-old Fabian is very familiar with, sadly.
Fabian fills his jerrycans at the spring.
"When [there] are many people at the waterpoint, it takes a long time to draw water from the waterpoint. In addition, during dry seasons, people queue at the spring to draw water because of the scarcity," he lamented.
"The spring needs to be repaired so that I can be sure of safe, clean, and reliable water."
Fabian on his way (alone) to collect water.
We asked Fabian if the water crisis in his community affects his ability to prioritize his education, as it does for many of his peers.
Fabian explained that living near the spring spares him from missing school—but at a cost. "Because I stay near the spring, I wake up early and fetch water before other people."
To keep up in school, Fabian wakes before dawn to collect water. By the time he reaches class, his energy is already drained—making learning an uphill battle.
Fabian is in the midst of childhood, but instead of enjoying it, he uses his time and energy to survive the water crisis in the Elukaka Community.
Protecting Elukaka’s spring means more than clean water—it means restoring Fabian’s chance to learn, play, and be a child.
"I will use the time to take care of my chicken and play with my neighborhood friends," he reflected. "My plans for [the] future are to learn and get [a] job, so that I can give back to my community."
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 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.
