Rehabilitation Project
In the Shipala Community, lies the Johnston Shapaya Spring, a naturally flowing water source that 175 people rely on. This spring, once a source of life, now steals more health and energy than it gives. It's in a state of disrepair, offering water that is contaminated.
Field Officer Stella Injani said of the community's experience, "Community members have reported several health impacts from drinking water from this source. Common issues include stomach pains, diarrhea, and skin irritations, especially among children. These health problems are believed to result from contamination caused by poor sanitation around the spring and [using] unclean water containers. In some cases, typhoid and other waterborne diseases have also been reported, particularly during the rainy season when the water becomes more turbid (cloudy)."
Nancy Masitsa is 38. She is a full-time farmer and has a family to care for as well. Both of those roles are nearly impossible without safe, sufficient water.
"Water is important to me because it supports every part of my life; it truly is life. I need clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning my home. Without it, my family’s health suffers, and every day tasks become a struggle," she lamented.
Community members aren't just bringing water home in their jerrycans; typhoid often comes along for the ride. With each drop of unsafe water, weeks and months of paying the consequences follow. When she's sick, farming has to take a backseat, which shrinks her income. Treating illnesses is an expensive endeavor, one that is sometimes out of reach.
Nancy (red shirt) and other community members make the long trek home.
When her children are ill, they can't go to school, and she must stay to care for them. Everything that helps build their future is put on hold until they are well. This is a vicious cycle that will continue until they have access to safe, clean water in their community.
"There is a high risk of falling, especially for children and the elderly, because the place is slippery. The overgrown grass and stagnant water also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria," she added.
Nancy stands in stagnant water to fill her bucket.
It's not just water-related illnesses that steal Nancy's precious time. Due to the state of the spring, there are often long lines, which create tension among community members. Everyone feels the pressure of what they should be doing, instead of waiting for a turn to collect water.
"Long queues at the water sources cause delays, stress, and sometimes conflicts. Overall, daily life has become more tiring, unsafe, and unhealthy for many families," Nancy remarked.
We can bring hope to Nancy and her family.
Repairing the spring will change their situation. What flows from the spring now is illness and frustration. But after we protect it, peace of mind will accompany Nancy home from the spring, knowing her jerrycan is filled with safe water!
Nancy at home.
Nancy described, "A well-constructed water point with proper drainage will eliminate swampy areas, reducing the chances of slipping or falling. It will also reduce overcrowding and long queues, preventing conflicts and accidents. To add on that, it will create a healthier, safer, and more dignified environment for everyone."
With the spring protected, Nancy’s children won’t have to inherit this cycle of illness, but instead, they will have a future where safe water sustains their dreams.
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.
