Rehabilitation Project
The 105 residents of the Musango Community rely on a natural spring for all their water needs. Unfortunately, the spring is hazardous to their health and safety, and they have no alternative water sources.
Field Officer Mercy Odongo described the impact water from the spring has on the entire community. She said, "Gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps have become symptoms associated with consuming the water, especially during rainy seasons. The community members agree they fall sick; they know the cause but have no option. Mosquitos also breed around the spring, evidently by the pool, forming a breeding ground in the spring, causing malaria."
No one is exempt from the water crisis in the Musango Community. Children and adults alike suffer; six-year-old Doreen feels the effects of water-related illness often, far too often.
Doreen collecting water from the spring.
We asked Doreen how often she gets sick. She said, "Very often, even a week hasn't passed since I was in the hospital."
Doreen bravely described what is now a normalized part of her life.
"I wasn't able to go to school for almost two weeks; my mother also had to stop going to sell things at the market to take care of me. Sometimes, I am not able to walk strongly, and due to diarrhea, I have to stay home where I can easily access [the] toilet without distracting others."
Being so young and so used to constant illness has devastating effects on Doreen's whole life. She misses crucial classroom time; at her age, she should be laying the foundation of her education, but instead, she is stuck lying in bed.
"Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old."
To make matters worse, her mother works very hard to provide for her family, but their finances are tight. Anytime she can't work, it reduces the income needed to care for her family. Doreen's school fees go unpaid, and food is harder to put on the table.
As if that wasn't enough, Doreen and her mother must deal with more hazards.
"Sometimes I run when I see snakes; they make me afraid of being sent to the water point, and on many occasions, I have fallen while going to fetch water because of the terrain," she continued.
Doreen trying to climb out of the spring.
"[I'm] afraid because of [the] dangerous terrain, dangerous animals in the spring, fear of being pushed to the end of the line, and consuming more time than I thought I would. Also, knowing that I am fetching water that will make me and my family sick worries me," Doreen expressed when we asked her how she feels when she has to fetch water.
Her visit to the Musango Community deeply impacted Field Officer Mercy. She shared, "When they were explaining the challenges they go through to fetch water which is unsafe for their consumption. Also, when the child explained how she was sick and was not able to walk strong for weeks, missing school due to consumption of contaminated water. I also had an opportunity to see how the much younger toddlers were fetching from the pool, and honestly, it is a scary fact. I asked myself one question: what if they miss and slide inside? It is concerning."
Doreen is only six and carries the weight of her world on her shoulders. Access to clean, safe water would be a life-altering gift for her. She could attend school daily and remain healthy, not worrying about being hospitalized. Clean water would help Doreen live without fear, and in the absence of fear, she has the capacity to dream big dreams.
"To be a doctor and be able to treat people. I don't like to hear someone died; it makes me sad that they couldn't be healed," Doreen said when asked what her dreams for her future were.
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.
