Rehabilitation Project
The 105 residents of the Bumini Community struggle every day to collect the water they need to survive. To make matters worse, the water they manage to collect has devastating effects on their health and, ultimately, their futures.
The Bumini Community Spring.
Seven-year-old Mutemba only got sick once from drinking the water from their naturally flowing spring, but that bout of dysentery was so severe he was out of school for two months.
Mutemba.
He shared the harrowing experience with us.
"The only time I have ever been sick, I was so tired and had pains in my joints, and I went to [the] hospital and got medicine. I was not able to go to school for two months."
Ever since his illness, Mutemba has lived in fear of falling ill again. Every sip has the potential to make his fears come true, and that would mean more time spent feeling sick and missing crucial learning time.
However, that isn't the only shortcoming of this community's spring. Because its makeshift collection pipe was not properly installed to capture the eye of the spring, long lines form at the water point as people wait their turn to collect water. This impedes their ability to do other tasks or to attend to crucial priorities, such as going to school on time or at all.
Mutemba waiting in line to collect water.
"I get pushed back when there are a lot of people, and due to my size, I would be pressed out of the line, which causes me to go back to being the last person in line. I get less time [to] study and to do my assignments. Even sometimes, in the morning, I find myself going to school late due to the time used in fetching water before going to school," vented Mutemba.
When we asked him what would change with access to safe, clean water, Mutemba said, "My health will be better, and [I] will never fear getting sick, and I will have an easy time to fetch water."
Access to clean water will give Mutemba the tools needed to live a life free of fear related to water. He won't have to be afraid of slipping on the way to the waterpoint or getting sick from consuming the water. He can have time to do his homework, go to class on time, and achieve his dreams.
"I would want to be a teacher in future," Mutemba said.
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.
