Rehabilitation Project
The Chevoso Community has 200 residents. All of them rely on the Moses Adongo Spring, which is down a dangerous hill, for their daily water needs.
The spring in need of repair.
Field Officer Wesley Marisha described the community's experience as follows: "The waterpoint is located on a steep slope, making physical access challenging, especially when it rains. The surrounding area is also very swampy and consistently muddy, posing a high risk of falling and injuries while collecting water. There is also overgrown grass and bushes around the spring area, which could potentially act as a breeding area for animals such as snakes."
Among those most affected is eight-year-old Sedrick. Despite his age, he carries a heavy burden for his family.
Eight-year-old Sedrick.
Sedrick lamented, "Fetching water sometimes takes so long because the waterpoint is far from home, and the path is steep and slippery. We have to walk carefully, and sometimes we have to wait in line because so many people fetch water from this waterpoint. The process of going, collecting, and coming back home with heavy containers full of water takes a lot of time and energy."
The danger is constant. "Since the waterpoint broke down, I have tripped several times and actually have several injuries to show. The path leading to the spring has exposed stones, [over] which I have fallen several times in the near past, leaving me with small marks on my body," Sedrick continued.
Sedrick collects water from the spring that needs repair.
The long journey down the hill, the wait in line, and the struggle back with a heavy jerrycan consume his entire day. Collecting 20 liters of water means sacrificing some of his stamina and future potential.
"Fetching water takes a lot of time, especially in the morning before school and in the evening after school. Sometimes I get to school late and [am] too tired to even concentrate. When I go fetch water in the evening, I don't get enough time to do my homework and revise," he shared.
Sedrick makes the journey for water.
The struggle for water, the exhaustive journey, and the heavy jerrycan are nothing compared to Sedrick's love for his mother. Even in the midst of his struggle, he goes about his task without bitterness because he knows it makes a difference in his mum's day.
"I feel good, because I love my mother and I love helping her do chores," Sedrick shared when asked how he felt when he was sent for water. "However, I feel tired most [of the] time when I have to carry water all the way from the spring uphill to my home."
Sedrick deserves to enjoy his childhood—time to play with friends, focus on his studies, and dream of his future. Protecting the spring and building safe stairs to access it will give him that chance.
Protecting the spring and adding stairs will give Sedrick that opportunity. He will have time to play with his friends and go to school with energy to pour into his education. Sedrick has big dreams, and with an accessible waterpoint, that dream is more attainable.
"When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so that I can help my community get proper medical help whenever in need. I cannot realise this dream if I don't go to school, and for me to go to school, I have to be healthy, and this health begins with me drinking clean water," Sedrick asserted.
By improving this waterpoint, we can give Sedrick the gift of health, energy, and opportunity. Together, we can turn his dream into reality.
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.
