September, 2024: Eshikufu Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Eshikufu 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!

"My children and I will no longer suffer from typhoid and diarrhea, thus saving the little income that I've been spending on medication. Due to easy access [to] the water point and less risk, it will be safe for my children [to] fetch water comfortably. Access to water will enable me to save time and engage in income-generating activities, which will result in improved living standards and a stable future," shared 30-year-old farmer and newly appointed chairperson of the water user committee Marion Makokha.

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

"Reliable water will help me learn without being worried [about] how I will fetch water in a risky place. I will be able to go for water alone without fear because the water point is not bushy," said 7-year-old Samantha.

Samantha.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring, including 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Eshikufu 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 Elvin, Jacquey, and Edmond deployed to the site to lead the event. 37 people attended the training, including 27 women and 10 men.

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soapmaking, 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.

Practicing proper handwashing techniques.

"The participants were open and ready to learn and acquire new knowledge and unlearn their old ways of doing things. They all participated freely in the discussion and asked questions in order to understand every aspect. The participants laughed when one old woman, Damaris, said she wished to grow young again so that she could enjoy this kind of water point for a long time. She said that she would utilize her remaining days on earth to ensure that she lives free from diseases caused by dirty water and a dirty environment," said Field Officer Jacqueline Kangu.

Learning to make soap.

"Most participants said it has been quite difficult to maintain cleanliness since accessing water has been a long-term challenge here. Eldah, one of the participants, said it was going to be easier for them since the water point motivates them to go for water as many times as possible," concluded Jacqueline.

Learning about proper spring maintenance.

"The most interesting topic was the soapmaking process. For a long time, I have desired to know how to make soap, but I have never found someone to teach me. [I] am glad because, with soap and reliable water, we will be able to maintain hygiene in our homes," said 46-year-old Frederick Omumia, the newly elected chairperson of the water user committee.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

August, 2024: Eshikufu Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in the Eshikufu 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!