The 210 community members who live in Buloma struggle to collect enough water to meet their daily needs from their partially protected community spring. The water they do manage to collect sadly, often makes them ill.
"I was sick some months ago when we had not been given chlorine (for the dispenser by the spring that people add to purify their water). I went to [the] hospital and the doctor diagnosed me [with] typhoid, which made me more worried, but I was put on treatment. [It] was really expensive for me and I really felt bad spending [so] much money just on my treatment," shared 71-year-old farmer Alfred Sakwa.
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Alfred working on his land.
Field Officer Mercy Wamalwa shared her perspective. "The health impact that this community has reported is that this water has made them develop diarrhea and have stomaches, which they suspect is because of unsafe water, which they are consuming from this waterpoint. Due to this problem, the community members end up spending money on medication, which is just a tall order to them because they don't earn much."
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Community members wait to collect water.
Alfred is allocating his resources towards purchasing costly medication and fuel to boil water, all in an attempt to ward off water-related illnesses.
"I spent a lot in treating my family, because those drugs which are used for treating typhoid, are very expensive. Even boil[ing] water before taking it has become very expensive, because fuel has become a problem," said Alfred.
The repercussions of consuming unclean water extend beyond Alfred to affect his entire family. The challenges they face as a result of using contaminated water have a significant impact on their health and well-being.
"My children miss school when they become sick because of contaminated water, thus lowering their academic performance and I end up spending money on treating them," he continued.
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Children collecting water from the spring.
Alfred and his family need a solution, and that is protecting the spring. By safeguarding this vital water source, they will gain access to clean and ample water. This access will allow Alfred to devote more time and effort to his farm, ultimately increasing his family's standard of living. Additionally, it will ensure that his children can attend school regularly, setting the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for the entire family.
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.