Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
The Samson Khala Spring is the primary water source for the 169 people living in the Muchanja Community. The water from the spring itself doesn't look or taste obviously bad most of the time, but the broken infrastructure and the surrounding environment are the core problems. The spring simply isn't protected the way it should be, and that's putting the whole community's health at risk.
27-year-old farmer Kevin Khala noted how he confronts the water quality issue, "Most of us boil the water we use for drinking. However, for those who can manage, they buy chlorine, [and] use chlorination as an option."
Yet Mr. Khala admitted that often people don't have the time or resources to treat the water before consuming it. When that happens, people often suffer the unfortunate consequences.
Mr. Khala shared how water-related illnesses affect his family.
"When our children fall sick from water-related illnesses, they are forced to stay at home, causing them to miss valuable learning time at school. For many families, the cost of treatment is also a challenge, and without enough money to seek medical care, people often remain at home sick instead of going to work, affecting both their health and household income," he said.
"I am concerned about the safety of our current water source because I grew up struggling to access water, and I know how difficult and risky it can be. I don't want my children to go through the same hardships or face unsafe conditions just to collect a basic need like clean water," he continued.
"As a parent, it is heartbreaking to see my children fall sick because of the water we depend on. Clean water is a basic need, and no family should have to worry that the water they drink could make them ill," he lamented.
But he can envision a brighter future where water is life-giving rather than burdensome. "We hope to have a safe and reliable water source so our children can stay healthy, attend school regularly, and live better lives."
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.
