The Mwitwa Community of 140 residents struggles to access safe, sufficient water. An attempt to protect their spring in the past didn't work, and now they suffer from large outbreaks of water-related illnesses, that impede their personal progress.
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The spring's current state.
Field Officer Faith Muthama set the scene for us. She said, "The spring is partially protected and gets contaminated, making the people of this community vulnerable to water-related diseases. The spring serves a huge population making people queue at the waterpoint. Many times it leads to frustrations, leading to disunity among community members. They report stomachaches and have symptoms of cholera, they seek medication and they are treated. These cases have been rampant in the community."
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Community members waiting their turn to fetch water.
20-year-old farmer Millicent Ndombera is very familiar with the constant struggle the water crisis presents in her life. She said, "Cholera has been rampant in this community. l have gone to [the] hospital, so many times, because of water-related diseases. l could not cook for my family, [and] my children took up the responsibility."
Millicent.
But Millicent's health isn't the only thing that suffers when she falls ill. Her farm can't be tended and her family bears the consequences. "Getting ill makes me weak, and l can not go to the farm to cultivate my land, thus l cannot get an income out of it due to being sick."
"I am concerned about the safety of this waterpoint because water-related diseases are rampant and make us not be productive in our work and children [are] not going to school when they fall sick," shared Millicent.
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Millicent collecting unsafe water.
Without access to clean, safe water, Millicent will stay stuck in a cycle of trying to catch up after getting ill, over and over again. Her farm will suffer, and her children will continue to miss school. She has the potential to make a better future for herself and her family, and with clean water that can become her reality.
"A new waterpoint will enable us [to] get access to clean and safe water. Clean water will make us live a healthy life," concluded Millicent.
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.