Mukavakava Community 4

Project Status

Project Type: Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 210 Served

Project Phase: In Service - May 2026

Functionality Status: Functional

Project Features

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The 210 community members of Mukavakava are in urgent need of safe water. Each day, they struggle not only to collect enough water but also to avoid falling ill from it. Their only source, Joash Spring, is failing. Water no longer flows reliably, collection is difficult, and cracks in the system allow contamination to seep in. Instead of sustaining life, the spring now spreads disease. Families are already reporting widespread waterborne illnesses, and without immediate repair, this crisis will only deepen.

"This waterpoint has a blocked drainage channel with a lot of water pooling in the collection area. There is more water oozing underneath the stairs, and there are major cracks on the headwall and wing walls. It is poorly maintained and in need of a major overhaul. The water is cloudy and has the smell of rotting vegetation," noted field officer Daniel Mwanzia.

"There is a danger of getting injuries on the stairs because the water oozing out of them makes the place slippery. There is too much water accumulated in the collection area, making it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, worms, and parasites," Daniel lamented.

Mary Luchebeleli, a 44-year-old mother, is sadly familiar with the consequences of consuming the contaminated water.

"My second-born son fell ill in February after drinking water from this waterpoint. He had diarrhea that contained mucus, fever, and vomiting. When I took him to the hospital, he was diagnosed with amoebic dysentery. I couldn't understand what that meant, but the doctor explained it step by step and pointed out that the bacteria that cause it are found in contaminated water. He had to be admitted for three days because he was too dehydrated to be treated and discharged," Mary lamented.

Seeing her son ill breaks Mary’s heart, but it also takes a heavy toll on her own well-being. The stress of caring for a sick child is compounded by the burden of medical expenses, draining the little she has. Each payment for treatment robs her family of resources they desperately need, pushing them closer to the edge of poverty.

"It's not only my son who has been sick in the recent past; I've been sick a few times in the past three months. I've had stomach bugs and throat infections, too. These illnesses affected my ability to work and led to the loss of a significant amount of income. When my son contracted dysentery, he was given intravenous antibiotics, and the doctor prescribed more drugs. They cost us a huge amount of money and frankly speaking, we're yet to recover from that dent on our income as a family," Mary bravely shared.

Mary said it right when she exclaimed, "Totally unacceptable, especially in the 21st century! A lot still needs to be done to ensure communities get access to safe drinking water. It's a basic human right!"

At The Water Project, we couldn't agree more, which is why we plan to protect this community spring so that Mary, her family, and other community members can collect and enjoy clean water without risking their health or futures.

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 our team's guidance, the community elects a water user committee representative of its diverse members. This committee assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, organizing community efforts, and gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.

Project Updates

May, 2026: Mukavakava Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Mukavakava 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 newly protected water point will significantly improve my daily life and my household by providing safe and clean water, effectively reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and illnesses. I can now have peace of mind, free from concerns about contamination and harmful bacteria that existed in the water, prior to its protection," shared 45-year-old farmer Mary Luchebeleli.

Mary Luchebeleli.

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

Benjamin.

"The new water point will make fetching water an enjoyable experience. There is no longer stagnant water in the collection area, so I will not have to worry about waterborne diseases, (which) were very prevalent in our house, and I often got sick from drinking unsafe water. As a result, I frequently missed school, which negatively affected my grades. Now, I am determined to focus on my studies by attending school every day. I want to become a teacher when I grow up," said 12-year-old Benjamin.

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 Mukavakava 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 Rachael Dorcas and Wilson Kiochoge deployed to the site to lead the event. 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.

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.

"During the oral hygiene training, I noticed participants' faces lighting up with amusement. One particular moment that sparked laughter occurred when a participant exaggeratedly demonstrated the "wrong way" to brush teeth. He performed a careless back-and-forth motion, and the room erupted in chuckles. This lighthearted moment helped break the ice. I took the opportunity to explain the importance of proper brushing techniques, and the participants became more engaged than ever," said Field Officer Rachael Obura.

Sylvia Naliaka.

Twenty-one-year-old Sylvia Naliaka shared her experience. "Training in soapmaking has been very beneficial for me, because I've acquired a new skill that will help me earn some money. As a student preparing to graduate, I have discovered a creative way to make extra pocket money. I also plan to make soap for my parents, which will help save money for our family."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

March, 2026: Exciting Progress in Mukavakava Community, Thanks to You!

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

Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!