Rehabilitation Project
Field Officer Joyce Naliaka described the water that flows from the unprotected spring, which is currently the primary water source for the 210 community members of Nyaporo. "The water from the source appears brown in color due to its openness to contamination. It also tastes weird with a very bad smell that I couldn't even dare to taste."
The spring's water quality is the top complaint of those who consume it daily because it makes them ill.
"Personally, I've battled with reoccurring stomach infections after contracting typhoid after using water from the spring. Even though I was able to beat it, that I would say was one of the most challenging times in my life," said Silas.
Silas collecting water.
"My parents, although not having much themselves, made sure they took me to hospital where I was examined and well treated, an act which deeply touched my heart. The last time I fell sick as a result of the water was about a month and [a] half ago. As said earlier, I had to be admitted at our local dispensary for further evaluation from the doctor, an experience which I wouldn't wish for it to happen as it left a huge dent on my parent's already dire financial situation. That and the horror of having the displeasure of experiencing a near-death moment was among the worst things I've faced."
Silas is overcome with fear about becoming ill and creating more financial hardship for his already struggling family. Sadly, as if that was not enough pressure, when Silas is sick, he also misses school, causing anxiety about falling further behind and negatively impacting his future.
"Whenever I feel pain, it sometimes forces me not to attend school because sitting in class with a rumbling and aching stomach is unbearable. Coupled with the time used for recovery, the time used for fetching water has greatly affected my study time, which can be clearly seen in my falling grades," said Silas.
"Being in secondary school and already at a disadvantage from the rest of my mates, I would happily spend all the spare time saved by catching up with my studies, which have been massively dragged behind," continued Silas.
Silas waiting in line to collect water.
Another issue is that because of the poor condition of spring, it is overcrowded. Long lines of people waiting to collect water inevitably result in some community members growing impatient and expressing their frustration toward others. Silas is familiar with taking the brunt of others' discontent.
When we asked if anyone had been unkind to him at the waterpoint, he said, "Yes, especially my schoolmates who are older than me and my village mates. I can't even recall the number of times I have cried bitterly due to being harassed by older boys and women. At first, I used to feel frustrated because of the hassle one has to undergo to fetch the water, but after some time, I was numbed to this feeling, which I guess is not a good thing."
Joyce was moved by Silas' struggles. "I would say my interaction with the young man Silas really impacted me, especially the part when he was describing how, after a period of time, he no longer felt frustrated or aggrieved when asked to fetch water, and instead, he became numb to all of that. I felt hurt and disturbed because for a boy his age, feelings are a huge part of his growth and development, and for him to begin numbing his feelings just to normalize having to wait for long hours to fetch water is very sad and also wrong."
Silas.
Silas deserves a reliable water source that will not make him ill and where he doesn't have to suffer abuse simply for his desire to obtain water. Then, he will be able to quickly and efficiently collect water and return to the other important things in his life, like building a brighter future through education.
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.
