Rehabilitation Project
The 210 community members of Ebwayi have tried their best to solve the persistent water crisis they face, but none of their efforts have been successful. Community members who use Olacho Spring as their primary water source continue to suffer from cases of typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, and amoebas. The water-related infections not only cause them to needlessly suffer but also steal their time and resources, making it difficult to make any forward progress.
People waiting to collect water from the spring.
"Water is important to me because I drink, cook, and [it] enables me to carry out hygiene and sanitation," said 55-year-old Fatuma Mohamed, a farmer.
"I am the breadwinner of my family, and when I fall sick, my entire family suffers hunger and lack. Sometimes, I buy medicine, and when the situation persists, I go to [the] hospital for treatment. Increased infections have led to more expenditure on treatment, thus low income and low economic growth," continued Fatuma.
Fatuma.
But Fatuma is not the only one suffering. She cares for her grandchildren, who are especially vulnerable to water-related illnesses.
“Children require more water (by weight) than adults, so their exposure to water-borne pathogens is much higher. Diarrhoeal diseases cause dehydration in children much faster than in adults. Children are more likely to develop severe infections and experience complications during recovery due to their small body size and their developing immune systems, which provide little natural immunity or resistance.” - UNICEF
A child collecting water.
"Dirty water is dangerous since it can cost lives and people's happiness. My three grandchildren got sick recently, and I could not even afford to take them to [the] hospital, but later on, my neighbor came and helped me out of this situation. This has really drained me financially, in that I cannot be able to spare a single cent for myself," she continued.
Without access to clean water, Fatuma and her grandchildren's futures are at risk. Their lives are affected in every way, and making progress to escape persistent poverty will be difficult.
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.
