Shilarumwa Community

September, 2024: Shilarumwa Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Shilarumwa Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser was installed to provide added protection, and we trained the community on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for community members to thrive!

Children playing in safe, clean water!

"This waterpoint will help me save time because I used to spend a lot of time fetching water. Secondly, [it] will act as conflict resolution because we used to fight here at the waterpoint because we had long queues. Thirdly, it will help solve health issues because this new water will help reduce waterborne diseases like cholera," said 57-year-old Jane Namwiva, a local farmer.

Jane Namwiva splashing in the newly protected spring.

Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!

13-year-old Vane, who we interviewed when this spring first needed protection, has seen the process through! Now, she can celebrate clean water and a brighter future!

Vane.

"This reliable water will help me improve my academic performance, and it will help me build a strong relationship with my teachers by consulting them where I have not understood well," shared Vane.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring. These included bricks, sand, stones, and fencing poles. Because people have to carry most items by hand, the material-collection process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

Community members gathering supplies.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then, our construction artisan and field officers deployed to the spring to begin work.

Protecting the Protecting the Spring: A Step-by-Step Process

First, we excavated the spring area. This includes digging a drainage channel below the spring and several runoff diversion channels above and around the spring to help divert surface contaminants away.

To ensure community members could still access water throughout the construction process, we also dug temporary channels around the construction site to allow water to continue to flow. Excavation created space for setting the spring's foundation.

Laying the foundation.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs. Once the walls were tall enough, we began one of the most crucial steps: setting the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe needs to be positioned low enough so the water level never rises above the spring's eye yet high enough to allow room for the average collection container (20 liters) to sit beneath the pipe without making contact to prevent cross-contamination.

If we place the pipe too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.

Setting the discharge pipe.

In coordination with the walls and stairs, we cemented stones on both sides of the spring's drainage channel. These stones discourage people and animals from standing in that area, which could cause soil erosion and a clogged drainage area.

We then cemented and plastered the spring spring walls. These finishing layers reinforce the brickwork and prevent water in the reservoir from seeping through. In turn, enough pressure builds to push water out through the discharge pipe.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipe. The tiles protect the concrete from the falling water's erosive force.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through only the discharge pipe. We filled the reservoir area with the large, clean stones arranging them in layers like a well-fitting puzzle. We covered the rocks with thick plastic and piled enough dirt on top to compensate for future settling.

Layering large stones to prevent contamination.

Community members transplanted grass to help prevent erosion, and the collection area was fenced. The fence prevents people or animals from walking in the area above the spring, as compaction of this area can potentially compromise water quality.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

The completed project!

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Shilarumwa Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Adelaide Nasimiyu, Mercy Odongo, Joyce Naliaka, Faith Muthama, Mercy Wamalwa, and Joan Tirop deployed to the site to lead the event. Twenty-one people attended the training, including fifteen women and 6 men.

Training begins!

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soap-making, and the ten steps of handwashing. We also highlighted the importance of primary health care and covered the operation and maintenance of the water point, as well as leadership and governance. By the end of the training, each participant had a clear understanding of their role in maintaining clean water and promoting good health within their community.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee who will oversee the maintenance of the spring. We brainstormed income-generating activities and encouraged them to start a group savings account for future minor repairs to the spring.

The training session was a success! Oral hygiene was one of the many topics covered that really impacted the group. Facilitator Mercy Wamalwa said, "Oral hygiene was really interesting to them because they thought that only children are taught how to brush their teeth. In the end, [they] found it differently from the way they are used to doing [it], so to them, it was really interesting, and it prompted [more] discussion because some of the community members were having dental problems. We encouraged them to visit a dentist and use the proper way of brushing their teeth."

Training session.

Thirty-seven-year-old Samuel Makokha, a local farmer and treasurer of the water user committee, eagerly shared the impact of the hygiene training.

"Being part of the training has been beneficial to me. I have gained more than I had expected. Information gathered here today, if well adhered to, will help maintain good health, thus increasing [our] life span and making this community of Shilarumwa a better place to live," said Samuel.

Samuel at the spring.

Facilitator Mercy Wamalwa concluded: "I feel hopeful for these groups because of the way they have embraced this project. I see them improving their economy, and also their health will improve because of this safe and clean water. Having strong leadership in this project, I feel hopeful for them because they will work on it so that it can have longevity. I also feel hopeful for this group because of the way they took this project with a lot of seriousness, and it also brought some sense of unity."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2024: Shilarumwa Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Shilarumwa Community costs people time, energy, and health every single day. Clean water scarcity contributes to community instability and diminishes individuals’ personal progress.

But thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are now working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news in the near future!