June, 2025: Indangalasia Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Indangalasia 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!

"I am really happy that now we have a good spring that has been well constructed. My family and I will not suffer from typhoid or amoebas. It will be easy to collect water compared to the past, where we used to struggle just to fetch water because there was stagnant water that was up to the discharge pipe. I will not have fear of getting skin irritations from the stagnant water or be bitten by a snake that used to be in the water once in a while," said 60-year-old farmer Beatrice Kanenje.

Ms. Kanenje at the spring.

"I will be able to engage more in my farming. I am hoping to start poultry farming and continue vegetable farming, which will help me earn income for my family," she continued.

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

"I will not spend a lot of time fetching water, and will not struggle just to fetch water, which will help me concentrate more on my studies since I am about to finish junior high school," shared 15-year-old Bravine.

Bravine gets a drink of fresh water.

"It will be easier for my parents to fetch water, especially my mother, because she has been really struggling to collect water and even spent a lot of time, making her not be able to do other things at home," Bravine continued.

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.

Community members collecting building materials.

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.

Laying the 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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Placing tiles on the spring floor to prevent water erosion.

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.

Adding fencing to protect the spring.

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 Indangalasia Community.

The completed spring.

"The community members were very happy and they were leaping with joy for getting a newly constructed waterpoint," shared Field Officer Joy Ongeri.

Community members gather to celebrate clean water!

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Mercy Odongo, Adelaide Nasimiyu, and Joy Ongeri deployed to the site to lead the event. 27 people attended the training, including nineteen women and eight men.

Practicing proper handwashing techniques.

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.

Community members learn to make soap.

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.

"The community members were very attentive, and they were most engaging during hand washing, where they all took part in it by following the facilitator's steps and guidance with ease. During the soap-making process, where they all were eager and excited, [they] even asked questions on the importance of some of the reagents and how they could get them to be able to start selling it as a committee for their own gain," shared Ms. Ongeri.

Ms. Opele.

"I liked the topic on oral hygiene, where we were able to be taught on when we should brush our teeth, how we should brush our teeth, and during the soapmaking process, because I didn't know how to make soap. Now that I know how to, I will be able to make soap for my family and sell it," said 42-year-old farmer Zippora Opele.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2025: Exciting Progress in Indangalasia Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Justine and the entire Indangalasia 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 Indangalasia Community!