September, 2025: Eshabaka Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Eshabaka Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is installed to provide added protection, and we trained the community on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for community members to thrive!

"We used to go a long way to fetch drinking water from a protected spring kilometers away, but right now I have clean water near me. My water problem has been solved," declared Agnes Wakhusama, a 46-year-old teacher.

Agnes is happy about clean water!

Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!

Patmoxil collecting water from the protected spring.

"I won't have to be sitting [at] home while my friends go to school because I am sick and my stomach hurts. My time will be saved now, and there will be no more staying at home because of sickness. I will stay in class more," 8-year-old Patmoxil said excitedly.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring. These included bricks, sand, stones, and fencing poles. Because people have to carry most items by hand, the material-collection process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then our construction artisan and field officers deployed to the spring to begin work.

Protecting the Spring: A Step-by-Step Process

First, we excavated the spring area. This includes digging a drainage channel below the spring and several runoff diversion channels above and around the spring to help divert surface contaminants away.

To ensure community members could still access water throughout the construction process, we also dug temporary channels around the construction site to allow water to continue to flow. Excavation created space for setting the spring's foundation.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete, and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs. Once the walls were tall enough, we began one of the most crucial steps: setting the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe needs to be positioned low enough so the water level never rises above the spring's eye, yet high enough to allow room for the average collection container (20-liters) to sit beneath the pipe without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

If we place the pipe too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.

In coordination with the walls and stairs, we cemented stones on both sides of the spring's drainage channel. These stones discourage people and animals from standing in that area, which could cause soil erosion and a clogged drainage area.

We then cemented and plastered the spring walls. These finishing layers reinforce the brickwork and prevent water in the reservoir from seeping through. In turn, enough pressure builds to push water out through the discharge pipe.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipe. The tiles protect the concrete from the falling water's erosive force.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through only the discharge pipe. We filled the reservoir area with the large, clean stones, arranging them in layers like a well-fitting puzzle. We covered the rocks with thick plastic and piled enough dirt on top to compensate for future settling.

Community members transplanted grass to help prevent erosion, and the collection area was fenced. The fence prevents people or animals from walking in the area above the spring, as compaction of this area can potentially compromise water quality.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Eshabaka Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

"The atmosphere was filled with visible excitement and relief. Community members expressed a mix of joy, gratitude, and hope for the future. Many could not hold back their emotions, as this marked the end of years of hardship and long treks to unsafe water sources. Some of them shared how this project would save them countless hours each week, giving them time to engage in farming, small businesses, and caring for their families," Field Officer Mercy Odongo exclaimed.

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Adelaide Nasimiyu, Joy Ongeri, David Mulinge, and Mercy Odongo deployed to the site to lead the event. Fifteen people attended the training, including seven women and eight men.

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soap-making, and the ten steps of handwashing. We also highlighted the importance of primary health care and covered the operation and maintenance of the water point, as well as leadership and governance. By the end of the training, each participant had a clear understanding of their role in maintaining clean water and promoting good health within their community.

Dental hygiene session.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee who will oversee the maintenance of the spring. We brainstormed income-generating activities and encouraged them to start a group savings account for future minor repairs to the spring.

Soapmaking session.

"People showed up, and that means they were optimistic about the training and embraced it well. They learned as they participated actively during the entire session," Field Officer Mercy Odongo shared.

Nelly Kiami.

We asked 35-year-old farmer Nelly Kiami, a training participant, about her favorite topic during the hygiene training. She said, "Soap making. I normally see liquid soap at the market, but have never known how it's made, so I was very keen to learn."

Thank you for making all of this possible!

August, 2025: Exciting Progress in Eshabaka Community, Thanks to You!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Sarah and the entire Eshabaka Community. Construction has begun on the spring protection project, bringing them one step closer to having clean, reliable water.

But that's not all—during construction, we’re also providing vital health training. These sessions equip the community with essential hygiene practices, ensuring that the benefits of clean water extend to lasting health improvements.

We’re so grateful for your role in making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates—soon, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of safe water in Eshabaka Community!