Nambacha Community

November, 2024: Nambacha Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

The completed spring!

"Accessing clean water will help my children and grandchildren to lead a healthy life with no sickness. With [a] healthy life, they will be able to indulge in purposeful activities. My children are able to concentrate on their studies; this will enable them [to] achieve better results. With better results, they are able to live their dream lives, achieving each goal they have set," said Selfer Wakhusama, 54.

Selfer in the spring.

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

"The reliable water will help me access clean and safe water. Before the protection of this water point, the water that we were drinking was not clean, and drinking dirty water made me fall sick. Now that I am sure the water is clean and safe, I will no longer fall sick; I will have enough time at school. This will help my grades to improve," shared seven-year-old Dylan.

Dylan.

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.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Cementing stones.

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.

Community members planting grass.

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 Nambacha Community.

The completed spring.

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 Mercy Wamalwa, Faith Muthama, Joyce Naliaka, and Adelaide Nasimiyu deployed to the site to lead the event. 15 people attended the training, including 10 women and 5 men.

Training.

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 commitment and enthusiasm for hygiene training was good since many people turned up for the training and were eager to learn about hygiene. They paid maximum attention to every activity carried out without unwavering or divided attention," shared facilitator Adelaide Nasimiyu.

Electine, (right, floral shirt), enjoying the training.

"I was able to learn how to take care of myself and that of my children. Personal hygiene is important because when I practice it properly, taking [a] shower every day and putting on clean clothes will help to clear the cases of skin infection. I used to hang my inner clothes inside the house because I felt it was safe to hang them there, but after the training, I will be hanging them outside under the sun so that they can properly dry," said Electine Otsyula, 40.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

October, 2024: Nambacha Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Nambacha 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!