Alufu Community 2

February, 2026: Alufu Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Alufu 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!

"Access to reliable, clean, and safe water is one of the greatest things one desires to have as a human being in this world. Water, which is free from water-related illnesses and also uses minimal time when fetching it, will unlock many potential," said Jackline Makutsa, a 36-year-old farmer and secretary of the community water user committee.

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

Amos at the protected spring.

"Reliable water will ease things; I will spend limited time at the water point while fetching water, thus giving me ample time for studies. Besides that, since water is free from water-related illnesses, I will be able to [spend] much time at school as opposed to if water were contaminated, and that will definitely have a great impact on my academic performance. This will make my dreams come true, as we all know that education is the only key to success," shared 17-year-old Amos.

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.

"Members from [the] Alufu community were so cooperative when it came to materials gathering. Both women and men in this community came out to support in materials gathering to ensure that their water point is well constructed. Each and every member participated physically in [the] ferrying of sand and ballast (gravel). Bricks had been purchased from a distant location. So, for them to save on cost and energy, they had to use [an] ox-cart to ferry those bricks to the water point for construction. They also participated in excavating the site for casting [the] foundation slab and, more so, helping our artisans in mixing mortar. Women had made a schedule for preparing breakfast and lunch for the artisans and the unskilled men who were assisting during the construction process. Their action showcased [a] shared commitment to development," reported Field Officer Nelly Chebet.

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 Alufu 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 Nelly Chebet and Jonathan Mutai deployed to the site to lead the event. Community health volunteer Cristabel Awendo joined them. 17 people attended the training, including 12 women and five 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.

Participants 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.

Participants practice proper handwashing technique.

"Participants were active throughout all the training sessions. They really wanted to know the side effects of not washing their hands with running water and soap. The facilitator really encouraged them to have a tippy tap or a leaky tin in their homestead to help them have running water to wash their hands. Moreso, soap is very important because it kills germs. At the end of the topic, they all agreed to wash their hands with running water and soap to prevent diseases caused by contaminated hands," shared facilitator Nelly.

Learning how to make a leaky tin - a simple water jug that uses gravity to provide running water.

Nathan Muyeko reinforced Nelly's sentiment. He said, "Demonstration of handwashing was so interesting to me as I was able to learn new steps of how hands should be washed with clean running water and soap. Unlike before, where soap and running water were not my thing."

Nathan Muyeko drinks water from the newly protected spring.

He continued: "Hygiene topics have become very important to us all; we are now able to understand [the] importance of hygiene and sanitation and also [the] proper way of handwashing with clean running water and soap. The training was so valuable and impactful to me because [the] skills and knowledge gained will impact my life positively."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

December, 2025: Exciting Progress in Alufu Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Jackline Khasiala Obuya and the entire Alufu 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 Alufu Community!