Emwaku Community

September, 2024: Emwaku Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"Clean and safe water equals no more diseases; hence, our children will be able to sit down in class and learn more in order to improve their performance for a better future," said Josephine Malala, a fifty-eight-year-old local farmer.

Josephine collecting clean water!

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

The opportunity to live a healthy life is one that 14-year-old Branton looks forward to! "I will not have to miss school because of being sick; therefore, I will concentrate more in class to improve my performance."

Branton at the newly protected spring.

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.

A community member gathers construction materials.

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.

Setting 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.

Constructing the spring's walls.

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.

Cementing stones deter contamination.

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.

Setting the tiles beneath the collection point.

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.

Backfilling the reservoir.

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.

Community members plant grass behind the spring to prevent soil erosion.

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 protection is complete, and clean water is flowing!

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Emwaku 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 Joy Ongeri and Mercy Odongo deployed to the site to lead the event. Twenty-five people attended the training, including fourteen women and eleven 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.

Training.

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.

Facilitator Mercy Odongo shared, "They were very committed. Coming for training early in the morning and leaving behind their daily income activities in order to listen carefully to what we were teaching. They also asked and answered questions in between the training, which made the training lively."

Handwash training.

Soapmaking was a very popular topic! Community members were excited to learn they could make soap instead of having to use their precious resources to purchase it. Now, they have the skills to make enough to improve hygiene standards at home and sell the excess to enhance their income.

Soapmaking training.

"I have learned that every compound should have a compost to maintain our environmental hygiene. Handwashing stations are also important in every household to improve personal hygiene in our community," said Cornel Wakhungu, a member of the water user committee.

Cornel.

Mercy Odongo concluded, "I feel hopeful. The work they put in so as to complete the construction of the water point was exemplary. They worked together without quarrelling which showed they are strongly unified. Also, the way they embraced the project and were happy to see the project from start to completion showed that they are happy about their new water source and they are more than ready to make it a sustainable waterpoint."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

July, 2024: Emwaku Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Emwaku 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!