Rehabilitation Project
Once protected, the Otuma Wasia Spring, the main water source for the Lukume Community—home to 289 residents—has deteriorated and no longer serves its people. Instead of offering safe water, its deteriorating condition has become a source of sickness, fear, and hardship.
The deteriorated collection point at the spring.
Field Officer Gladys Chepkorir described the plight of the residents every time they visit the spring.
"The community members reported that, whenever they drink water from this source, they experience diarrhea and stomach upset, making them uncomfortable and at risk of contracting cholera, which is a deadly disease and costly to treat."
Community members gather at the spring to collect water.
Efforts to make the water safer have not been easy. Gladys continued: "The community members tried boiling as the cheapest method to make water safe for drinking, but most [of the] time it has not been easy getting firewood, making the process quite hard."
When the spring is too overcrowded, they are forced to use an alternative source, even worse than this option.
The community's only alternative source.
William, who is only fourteen, is very familiar with the disastrous effects of drinking the contaminated water. He talked about a recent experience with a water-related illness.
William.
"It was a terrible experience. My stomach was aching, and at the same time, I was coughing, so I could not go to school," he shared.
"My parents had to borrow money from one of my relatives, then took me to the hospital for medical attention," William continued.
With all the time spent recovering and fetching water, William struggles to attend school and keep up with his classwork.
"Because when I am sick, my body becomes generally weak; therefore, I cannot stay and concentrate in class," he lamented.
William knows what a luxury water is; he values it even though it makes him ill and impedes his education. He expressed, "I feel good (when sent for water) because it is my responsibility to go for water."
He dreams of a future where water no longer holds him back: "I want to study well, pass my exams, and be a mechanical engineer when I grow up," he bravely shared.
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.
