Rehabilitation Project
The Mang'uliro Community is home to the Shitali Spring, the primary water source for its 600 residents, which was once protected and provided sufficient water; however, it now lies in disrepair. The water flow is significantly reduced during the dry season, leaving everyone scrambling for water in those months.
The overcrowded spring.
When the spring's flow gets so low, the output is very slow. This causes long lines and, consequently, long wait times, preventing community members from completing other crucial tasks, such as farming or attending school.
Collecting water from the dug well.
When the lines get too unbearable, there is a neighboring dug well that poses significant dangers to children, especially. A tale as old as time, there is a risk of children falling into the open well when attempting to collect water.
The water from both sources is cloudy and of questionable quality at best. With no safe or sufficient option, the community struggles to meet even its most basic water needs.
Fifteen-year-old Sovic has lived with the burden of his community's water crisis for the last five years.
Sovic stands in stagnant water in the spring as he fills his jerrycan.
"Ever since the structure broke down and water diverted into different routes, the spring has not been a good place to visit. The drawing point has flooded that even putting on shoes while fetching water is a mission impossible. We have to go barefoot because we have to step into the flooded water. Walking all the way to and from the spring barefoot is disgusting to me," Sovic shared.
"When it's raining heavily, there is enough water despite the water that has been diverted. During [the] dry season, the discharge reduces because all the water is not going through the discharge pipe, thus less water. I don't feel good about this because I am always worried about the dry season," he remarked.
The current situation in Mang'uliro Community makes Sovic anxious every day. He wonders where he'll find water and what condition it will be in.
Sovic is in secondary school, but the time he has to prioritize his education is often stolen by trying to help his family meet their water needs.
"If I didn't have to spend all that [time] fetching water, I would study a little bit to empower myself more in terms of education and would also rush to the farm to help my father with farm work," Sovic emphasized.
Water is a foundational need every day; most tasks can't be accomplished without it. The Shitali Spring should offer hope, but as of now, it gives them nothing but worry.
Protecting the spring will change that!
The dry seasons won't cause anxiety, as water will flow sufficiently throughout the year when we repair the spring. They won't have to rely on the dug well, so they will know their children are safe. Sovic will also gain back time to prioritize his education and peace. He won't have to worry about whether or not there will be enough water when he arrives at the spring in the dry seasons.
Sovic has hope because he has seen it happen before at his school. "In my future, I want to [be] able to help people by being a social worker like you. You've made my life in school easy by drilling a new borehole, and now you are here to help us protect our spring."
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.
