November, 2024: Efundula Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Efundula 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 grandchildren they will be able to access water easily because at the moment their will easier accessibility and slipperiness has been reduced thus their will no falling, secondly time consumed has been reduced thus they have enough time to do their assignment and also have enough time to do their revisions hence improving on their academic performance, thirdly my grandchildren will have enough time to socialize with others thus leading to strong bond among them," shared Beatrice Mangi'na, 54, a local farmer.

Beatrice in the newly protected spring.

Children were just as excited as adults about having access to clean water! Eight-year-old Sharnice described what a clean water source meant to her.

Sharnice.

"It will have a positive impact, in that I will have enough time to study, thus improving on academic performance, and also it will help me to interact with my teachers, by consulting them where necessary, hence building a strong bond," she shared.

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 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.

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.

Setting stones to prevent animals in the spring.

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 erosive force of falling water.

Setting tiles beneath the collection pipe to prevent erosion.

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 spring is complete!

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 Efundula 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 Mercy, Joyce, Joy, and Joan deployed to the site to lead the event. 11 people attended the training, including seven women and four 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.

Facilitator Mercy Wamalwa said, "Community members of Efundula were able to show their commitment and enthusiasm by showing up for the training. At least every household was well represented, and they showed a lot of patience, and they showed their utmost appreciation by being open to learning more and also by asking questions."

Asmini Makokha.

Farmer Asmini Makokha, 60, shared the training's impact with us.

She said, "I actively participated in how soap making is done, and with this, I have gained knowledge on how to make [my] own soap, which will help me generate income by selling it. I also learned [about] spring maintenance and management because as chairman of the committee, I will make sure we have duty rosters so as to maintain [the] spring so that we continue consuming safe and clean water."

Facilitator Mercy Wamalwa told us of the hope she has for the Efundula Community.

"Community members of Efundula [are] exemplary, where they do not have to be told what they are supposed to do, they are self-driven and they have a zeal of maintaining cleanliness for them to have safe and reliable water."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

September, 2024: Efundula Community Spring Protection Underway!

The lack of adequate water in the Efundula 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!