Rehabilitation Project
The 210 residents of the Ebutingo Community struggle to access safe, sufficient water daily. Their primary water source, a community spring, needs desperate repair to meet their needs.
Field Officer Faith Muthama described the spring's condition. "The spring is not in good condition. It has an open backfill area, the pipe is rusted, [and] at the drawing point, water is stagnant. The spring area is not clean and [its] swampy, because a lot of water oozes from the side."
The broken down spring.
The community is faced with a difficult situation due to the contamination of the spring, as the water flowing from it is no longer safe to consume. Unfortunately, the lack of alternative options leaves them with no choice but to risk using the contaminated water.
12-year-old Edgar feels the tension, quite literally. Not only is he often ill, stuck in bed, and unable to enjoy his childhood, but there is unrest within the community due to the water crisis, that instills fear.
Edgar collecting water.
"I often get sick with water-related diseases such [as] typhoid, due to drinking water from this waterpoint and this is the only waterpoint serving this community. I got so weak and l did not go to school for two weeks because l had typhoid, which made me less productive. l could not do anything [other] than lie in bed and hoping to get better as time went by," said Edgar.
"I am worried about safety at the waterpoint because it takes a long wait for the water to be full so that l can take it home. Quarreling at the waterpoint by community members makes me not feel at peace, this brings disunity among us," he continued.
Community members wait their turn to collect water.
The water crisis has deep effects. Edgar candidly shared how he feels, every time he is sent to fetch water because, like many children, he must contribute to his family's water supply. "Truth be told, l feel like leaving the jerrican at home and running away, so that l can not encounter difficult times with the rest who are at the waterpoint, but l have no option. If l don't fetch water, I will not have water to take baths and my parents will cook early morning breakfast and supper late."
However, Edgar has big hopes for a new waterpoint. He said, "A new waterpoint will make me safer because all the water at the catchment area will be well captured, [and] the open backfilling area will be well covered and that will make the water not to get contaminated."
Protecting the Ebutingo Community spring will make clean water flow, and give Edgar back the opportunity to be in school and play with his friends. With safe access to clean water, he can be at peace, collect water more easily, and go on to fulfill his dreams.
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.
