Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
The Andrew Kisienya Spring was once protected, but years of neglect have left it in serious disrepair, as is evident upon inspection. For the 280 residents of the Shisini Community, it remains their first choice despite its condition.
The crumbling spring.
When the crowds become too much, people can't go home empty-handed, so they walk to open, unprotected sources that put their health at even greater risk, choosing dirty, murky water over no water at all.
Alternative water source.
Emmanuel, 14, spends 2 hours a day fetching water from the spring to fill his family's daily water needs.
"Fetching water often takes a long time because of the long queues that form at the spring, especially during the dry season when water demand is high. As a young boy, I sometimes have to give way to older people and other senior community members who insist on fetching water first. This results in extended waiting times, causing me to spend more time at the water point and reducing the time available for schoolwork, studying, and other household responsibilities," Emmanuel declared.
Emmanuel.
The overcrowding happens because there’s only one working discharge pipe, so everyone is funneling through the same single point. When demand is high, the queue explodes, and people start making desperate decisions to collect water from wherever they can find it. The overcrowding and wait times are what force people into those other dangers.
"I'm concerned about the safety of the current water source because the spring is not fully protected, and the area around the drawing point is often wet and slippery. Users have to step into stagnant water while collecting water, increasing the risk of falls and contamination," said Emmanuel. "In addition, farming activities taking place uphill and surface runoff during rainy seasons make the water muddy and unsafe."
"As a child, I'm also concerned about the long queues and overcrowding at the water point, which sometimes force me to wait for extended periods before fetching water," Emmanuel said.
He hopes for the day when the spring can meet the community's needs, so he has time to dedicate to the other things he wants to accomplish in life.
"If I did not have to spend so much time fetching water, I would dedicate more time to my studies and completing school assignments. I would also assist my family with productive activities such as herding cattle and working on the family farm," he said. "Having more time available would allow me to concentrate better on my education, participate in extracurricular activities, and contribute more effectively to household responsibilities, thereby improving both my academic performance and my family's livelihood."
Emmanuel collects water from the alternate open water sources.
Protecting the spring will ensure that Emmanuel and other community members can collect water quickly and efficiently, without waiting in long lines, so they can turn their focus to more important things.
He said it best, "A new water point will make me safer by providing clean and protected water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. In addition, a well-designed structure with adequate discharge points will reduce overcrowding and long waiting times, allowing us to collect water more safely and efficiently. Overall, the new water point will provide a healthier and safer environment for my family and me."
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.
