Rehabilitation Project
The 320 people who live in the Shiuna Community have one water source to meet their daily needs. They rely on unprotected Indulusia Spring, but it is in disrepair and overcrowded, and the water they work hard to collect is contaminated, costing their health and limiting their resources.
Community children carrying water.
"Despite the spring having a very high discharge, the waterpoint area is in a pathetic state, with water stagnant at the drawing point. There are no stairs to be used while accessing the water. The spring box is fully covered. The issue arises when people [when] avoiding to step on the stagnant water, step on the backfill area instead when collecting water," shared Field Officer Mildred Mboha.
Thirteen-year-old Yosiabwilula is responsible for collecting water in his family and spends much of his day doing so.
Yosiabwilula fetching water from the unprotected spring.
"Fetching water takes a long time mainly because of the high demand and limited supply. In our locality, there is only this one source available, so everyone around is dependent on it, having to always [wait] for their turn to fetch. Sometimes the queues are very long, especially during peak hours when many people need water at the same time," said Yosiabwilula.
Collecting the water he works so hard to access is not easy. The area around the spring is challenging, and he worries about being injured. All this is for water that is not ideal for consumption, but without an alternative, he has no choice.
"There is a sense of frustration and inconvenience that comes with the task. Knowing that I have to spend a significant amount of time waiting in line, navigating difficult terrain, and carrying heavy containers back home can be daunting. It disrupts my plans and takes away time that I could be spending on other activities, such as studying. While I recognize the importance of fetching water, it can sometimes feel like a burden, especially when it interferes with other aspects of my life," he continued.
"I'm worried about safety at our current water source not only because of the water quality but because of the challenging terrain we have to navigate to get there. The path to the water source is uneven and sometimes muddy, especially during the rainy season; carrying heavy containers of water over such terrain is not only physically demanding but also dangerous, as there's a risk of slipping and getting injured. Such challenges always ring in my mind when tasked to fetch water."
Since the spring is overcrowded, people are anxious to be first to collect water so they can get back to their important daily tasks, which at times means people quarrel to be first in line.
"Since the waterpoint is a gathering place for many people in the community, sometimes there's bullying from others, especially for vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly. These negative experiences can make fetching water a stressful and unpleasant task, adding to the already challenging circumstances we face in accessing clean and safe water," he continued.
"There have been times when I've been pushed to the back of the queue at the water source. It often happens when there's a rush or a sudden influx of people trying to get water, and some individuals become impatient or aggressive, pushing their way to the front of the line. This can be frustrating and demoralizing, especially when I've been waiting for a long time to access the waterpoint," he bravely shared.
Not only does he feel bullied at times while collecting water, but he also feels the lack of access to safe water negatively impacts his future.
"Fetching water definitely impacts my time at school and can affect my exam scores. There are days when I have to wake up very early to fetch water before school starts, which means I don't get enough rest or time to prepare for the day ahead. Sometimes, I even miss the first few classes because I'm still waiting in line at the waterpoint. This ultimately affects my understanding of classwork and my performance in exams," he said.
The water that consumes his health and time is stealing from his education. Protecting the spring will give him back his opportunity to live a healthy life and pursue his education.
"One of my main goals is to focus on my education and work hard to achieve good grades in school. I'm interested in exploring fields that will allow me to make a positive impact in my community, such as healthcare, environmental conservation, or community development. I'm passionate about finding solutions to the water challenges we face and making a difference in the lives of others who are affected by similar issues," Yosiabwilula shared.
"If I don't have to spend so much time fetching water, I would be able to focus more on my education and other activities. With extra time, I could attend school regularly without worrying about being late or missing classes. I could also pursue hobbies or interests that I currently don't have time for, like sports. Additionally, having more free time would allow me to help out more at home."
Protecting the spring will provide access to cleaner and safer water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and speeding up the entire collection process, saving time for Yosiabwilula to pursue his dreams for the future.
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.
