Lukorido Community 2

August, 2025: Lukorido Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"Since everything has been made easy, children will use the shortest time possible fetching water, then embark on their studies, which will help them improve academically and have a brighter future. Personally, I know I will enjoy having good health all throughout the year," shared Peris Nangwani, a 46-year-old farmer and chairperson of the water user committee.

Peris celebrating clean water.

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

Joyce enjoys clean water.

"Since we have two discharge pipes, very little time is taken to fill my container. Therefore, this will save me time that I will spend playing with my friends and neighbors, and this will help us build strong relationships among ourselves and our parents," said Joyce, 10.

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 got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Lukorido Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Stella Inganji and Betty Muhongo deployed to the site to lead the event. Nineteen people attended the training, including 14 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.

Training participants.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee who 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.

Soap-making session.

"Soapmaking was the most interesting topic. We were shocked to learn that this particular community believed that all liquid soap is made using big machines and is only used by rich and wealthy people. No particular person among the participants had an idea of how the soap is made. When the facilitator mentioned that we were going to demonstrate soapmaking, they started looking around, wondering where the machine was. They were also disturbed by the fact that there was no electricity in that area to power a soapmaking machine, even if the trainers had it. So, the facilitator was able to explain to them the process where she started assembling the reagents one by one, and everyone was attentive to see the process to completion and to learn. This was a very interactive session. At the end, they were happy and appreciated the organization for the opportunity given to them to learn," shared Field Officer Stella Inganji.

Learning how to maintain the spring.

"To us, soapmaking was something that we will live to remember. Sincerely speaking, I have never thought about it in my entire life. During the training, I learned that there is homemade liquid soap that can be used in different ways, like washing utensils, bathing, cleaning the floor, and washing clothes, among other uses. The only thing we need to be extra careful with when buying reagents are the perfumes, because they are made of different scents that limit some users, especially people who are allergic to them," said Lazarus Makhoka, the 42-year-old area administrator.

Lazarus Makhoka.

"During our discussion on environmental hygiene, the facilitator mentioned the use of locally available materials to improve our sanitation standards. There are some sanitation facilities like dish racks, clothes lines, and even latrines that can be made using local materials, and they serve the same purpose. Moving forward, we have no excuse for unhygienic living because the locally available materials are within our reach.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2025: Exciting Progress in Lukorido Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Jorina and the entire Lukorido 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 Lukorido Community!