Rehabilitation Project
The 150 people of Mumasaka Community struggle to access sufficient water. Their primary water source is an unprotected spring, which means they often get sick when consuming its untreated water. Getting ill gets in the way of the community being able to do even basic tasks.
"I and my children drank untreated water because at the time I didn't have money to buy water guard for water treatment. I remember when my mother-in-law used to say that she had been drinking from this water source ever since she got married and she had never become sick. I opted to try, I fetched water, I didn't treat [it], and placed the water in the pot where everyone could access it for drinking. After [a] few days everyone was sick with diarrhea and stomach pains. It was persistent till we had to be admitted to the hospital for close checkups and monitoring," said farmer Esther Mukolwe, 46.
Esther.
Esther continued "When [you're] sick, you're physically weak, so you're unable to do anything productive. I cannot go to the farm, I have to hire daily workers so they can work my farm, and that is really expensive. I have to spend [a] good amount of money on the drugs, and on the workers, and sometimes I do not have this kind of money. I have to do without one; so I would prefer the farm to be like that and get drugs. This decision causes [a] decrease in my farm produce."
"During [the] rainy season, it's difficult to use this water because of its color smell, and taste. They are forced to either use rainwater from their roofs or walk [a] few kilometers to a nearby protected spring in search of clean water," shared Field Officer Adelaide Nasimiyu.
The spring's contaminated water and long lines negatively impact Esther and her community. Without clean water access it is difficult for Esther to earn a livelihood and her family will continue to suffer, staying stuck in a frustrating cycle of poverty.
Community members navigating out of the spring, after waiting to collect water.
"Water is life because without water you cannot live. Water enables [the] normal function of the body, it keeps the body in the right balance of metabolic functioning, [and] it sustains the proper functioning of the other organs of the body. When your body lacks water, you're forced to be admitted to a hospital [and] that is very expensive," she continued.
Esther waits in line while standing in stagnant water.
The protection of the spring will enable Esther to focus on building up her farm and providing a better future for her children instead of sacrificing their health and financial security to contaminated water.
"I will use my time in farming. I love farming and it's the only income-generating activity that brings food [to] my table. I will be [able] to do [a] variety [of] farming so that my income increases. I will have time to be able to attend the chamas with no excuse for missing. This will enable us to bond as the women's association," dreamed Esther.
Steps Toward a Solution
Our technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. They decided to safeguard the existing flowing spring.
Spring Protection
Springs are natural water sources that originate from deep underground. As water travels through various layers of the earth, it undergoes a natural filtration process, making it cleaner and safer to drink. To protect these spring sources from contamination, we construct a waterproof cement structure around layers of clay, stone, and soil. This design channels the spring water through a discharge pipe, facilitating easier, faster, and cleaner water collection.
Chlorine Dispenser
As an extra measure towards water quality safety, uniquely engineered chlorine dispensers are installed at all of our spring protection projects so community members can treat their water with pre-measured doses of chlorine. The chlorine treats any residual contamination and stays active for two to three days, ensuring water stays safe to use even when stored at home. Chlorine delivery and maintenance of the dispensers are part of our ongoing community support.
Community Education & Ownership
Hygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community. Encouraged and supported by the guidance of our team, a water user committee representative of the community's diverse members assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, often gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
