Mumasaka Community

May, 2026: Mumasaka Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Mumasaka Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is 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!

"Access to water will help me and my children work toward our future hopes and dreams because we will spend less time fetching water and more time on productive activities. My grandchildren will have more time to focus on school, complete their homework, and attend classes without being late or tired. At home, we will be able to maintain better hygiene and stay healthier, which will allow us to work consistently," said 59-year-old farmer Esther Mukolwe.

Esther Mukolwe washes her hands with spring water.

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

James at the protected spring.

"Reliable water will make me feel happy and ready to learn. Before, I felt tired and worried, but now I can sit in class and concentrate. I won't miss school as much, and I can dream about doing well and making my parents proud," said 8-year-old James.

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 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.

Excavation.

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 received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Mumasaka Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

"Women and children were among the first to fetch water from the new water point, smiling and chatting as they filled their containers. Many expressed excitement and relief that they will no longer have to walk long distances for safe water. Children happily helped carry small containers, while women appreciated the ease of access and the cleanness of the source. The moment was filled with joy and gratitude as families looked forward to improved health, saved time, and a better daily routine," shared Field Officer Adelaide Nasimiyu.

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Mercy Wamalwa, Mercy Odongo, Adelaide Nasimiyu, and Elvine Atsieno deployed to the site to lead the event. 22 people attended the training, including 14 women and eight men.

Oral hygiene session.

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.

Handwashing session.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which 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.

Learning how to maintain the spring.

Ms. Nasimiyu reported: "The topic that generated the most discussion was personal hygiene. Participants were very interested in how simple daily habits like bathing regularly, keeping clothes clean, trimming nails, and washing hands can protect them from diseases. Many asked questions and shared their experiences, showing they understood how personal hygiene improves both health and confidence in everyday life."

Linah Livanga.

Thirty-year-old Linah Livanga shared her experience, "The most interesting topic for me was safe water handling and storage. I learned how important it is to keep water clean after collecting it, like using clean containers, covering water properly, and avoiding contamination. It made me realize how easily water can cause sickness if it is not handled well, and I feel more careful about it now."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Mumasaka Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Ms. Mukolwe and the entire Mumasaka Community. Construction has begun on the spring protection project, bringing them one step closer to having clean, reliable water.

But that's not all—during construction, we’re also providing vital health training. These sessions equip the community with essential hygiene practices, ensuring that the benefits of clean water extend to lasting health improvements.

We’re so grateful for your role in making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates—soon, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of safe water in the Mumasaka Community!