Rehabilitation Project
The 105 people of the Emusiresire Community struggle with a daily water crisis. Their primary water source is a contaminated, unprotected spring that afflicts people with waterborne diseases, diminishing their health, and impacting every area of their lives.
8-year-old Emmanuel shared his experience. "Over the past year, I've been diagnosed with typhoid three times and it has been majorly related to the water we take. The total number of school days missed from the three incidences would amount to almost a month and a half or so. This really affected my grades and if it were not for luck I would have to repeat the schooling year."
"So many things have changed, my mum had a small business, but unfortunately it was brought down to its knees, due to our frequent visits to the hospitals as a result of drinking water from the spring."
Emmanuel, 8, collecting water in the broken-down spring.
Another primary complaint about the spring due to its broken-down condition and difficult access is it is regularly overcrowded. This causes frustration and produces a great deal of community tension, sometimes leading to violence.
"Frustrated is the word I'll use, one, because of the amount of time I use, and two the hassle I have to go through [to] fetch the water," shared Emmanuel.
"[There's] long queues, which most of the time, result in me going back home empty-handed. The constant quarrels which arise at the spring make me fear for my safety. I am a child, and also small in stature, hence being forced to take cover until everything comes down before going to fetch the water. Small kids like myself have no strength to defend ourselves. My fear is that one day, we might get harmed due to the harassment at this waterpoint," Emmanuel continued.
Field officer Joyce Naliaka described the current state of the spring. "The waterpoint area is extremely dirty and contaminated with a damaged drawing point, and eroded backfill area that makes the whole place swampy. Numerous reports of near-death experiences, mainly associated with intake of water, from the spring have been recorded at the local health center, [the] majority being typhoid related."
Children make the trek for water.
The protection of the spring has the power to change Emmanuel's life. It will allow him to focus on his future, his education, and enjoying his childhood instead of sacrificing everything to waterborne illnesses. He won't have to live in fear because when the spring is protected, it will reduce the long wait times that cause frustration. With clean water, Emmanuel can pursue his dreams.
"As an eight-year-old, all I want is to pass all of my exams; and by God's will, I will one day become a doctor for me to save children affected by dirty and contaminated water," effused Emmanuel.
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.
