Elukaka Community

July, 2026: Elukaka Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Elukaka Community possible!

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!

"This new water point will help solve the problem of waterborne diseases in my family. Before, my children often suffered from sore throats and stomach-related illnesses because we relied on contaminated water. We are grateful to now have access to clean and safe water," shared farmer Gabriel Makanga.

"The money that was previously spent on treating illnesses caused by unsafe water can now be redirected to meet other household needs, such as food, education, clothing, and farming activities. This will help improve our family's living standards, support our children's education, and enable us to invest in income-generating activities that can strengthen our household's financial stability," he continued.

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

"With reliable water and less overcrowding at the water source, I will spend less time fetching water and have more time to do my homework and study. I will also have time to play with my friends because, as the saying goes, 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' This will help me enjoy my childhood while doing better in school," celebrated Collimore, 13.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Elukaka Community. 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 Samuel and Mary deployed to the site to lead the event. 18 people attended the training, including 8 women, 7 men, and 3 children over the age of 5.

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.

Soapmaking session.

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.

Proper handwashing training.

"The session on personal hygiene, especially on proper bathing techniques and frequency, sparked the most engagement from participants. Many shared their own daily routines and challenges, such as access to adequate water, cold water, and skin conditions. A memorable moment was when participants debated myths vs facts — for example, "bathing daily causes dry skin" vs "not bathing daily causes infections". Many participants said it was very difficult to bathe daily due to these challenges. By the end, participants agreed that bathing at least once daily is important to prevent infections, reduce body odour, and maintain freshness," shared Field Officer Rachel Obura.

Oral hygiene session.

"The participants showed high commitment and enthusiasm for the hygiene training. They were actively engaged, asked questions, participated in demonstrations, and expressed willingness to apply the hygiene practices in their homes and community," she continued.

"Before the training, I underestimated small hygiene habits. Now I see how daily practices like handwashing, proper waste disposal, and protecting water sources can prevent illness in my family and community. The training gave me knowledge and confidence to lead hygiene sensitization in my community," shared Mr. Makanga, quoted earlier.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

June, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Elukaka Community!

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