Rehabilitation Project
The 140 people who live in this area of the Buloma Community rely on a partially protected spring for their daily water needs. However, since the spring is not properly protected individuals regularly report cases of waterborne illness from consuming the water that steals their health and resources.
"The water users of this community are prone to waterborne diseases if they drink this water without treating it. If this waterpoint is well protected, it will save many people in this community from consuming contaminated water thus making them have some savings that they usually spend on medical bills so that they can be able to do other development," shared Field Officer Mercy Wamalwa.
"I was sick after drinking dirty water and this made me frustrated because I was unable to do anything at all because I was so emaciated. Since I was admitted in the hospital I had to miss classes because I couldn't be able to attend those classes. Additionally, I was so weak that time [that] I was not able to walk for a long distance," said 10-year-old Timothy.
Timothy collecting water.
Drinking unsafe water which causes him to be unwell is not Timothy's only issue. He also struggles to keep his place in line while collecting water and is often late to school as a result. Since the spring is not functioning, properly the water collection process is slower than normal, causing frustration among community members who are impatient to resume their daily responsibilities.
"Being a child is not easy in this community. I remember one day, I was thrown off the queue and I was told that [I] am still young and I can wait till everyone older than me fetches water before I can fetch water. I get pushed [to the] back of the queue by the elders because they have little patience. They want to fetch water faster so that they can go and attend to some chores," shared Timothy.
"I am used to fetching water in the morning before going to school, which makes me late to school; this [is] making me miss classes. Mostly [I] am punished for being late by the teacher on duty, which makes me feel frustrated because the teachers cannot understand you when you explain why [I] am late. They tend to say it's a lame excuse. This makes me lose concentration in class, making my academic performance poor," Timothy said.
This community's spring has the potential to be a vital source of safe water, providing essential sustenance for the residents while fostering a sense of shared purpose and unity. By protecting this precious resource, we can ensure that the children, like Timothy, can focus on their education and build a brighter future without the burden of water-related health concerns.
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.
