Rehabilitation Project
"Nafwa Spring is located at [the] Abakalivo Community, which serves a huge population of approximately 210 people. The spring users are tired of drinking water that causes harm to their health, making them become less productive, and their finances used mostly [for] medication," shared Field Officer Faith Muthama.
Unfortunately, the water community members manage to collect and consume, causes them to suffer from water-related illnesses that steal their health and their resources, impeding their ability to thrive.
Fifteen-year-old Movine feels the pain of her community's water crisis quite literally.
Movine collecting water.
"I often get ill due to drinking water from this water point; it makes me less productive at school. When l got ill, I had so much pain, especially in my joints, and movement was not easy. My parents took me to hospital, and l was checked and given medication. I did miss school when l was sick, and it took me some weeks to get back to my feet," shared Movine.
Movine's spending so much of her time ill means she is out of school, putting her further and further behind.
Sadly, water-related illnesses aren't the only adverse effects this spring has on Movine's life. Children and adults alike spend a lot of time waiting to collect water that, in the end, makes them sick. This frustrates everyone and causes tension within the community.
People waiting to collect water.
We asked Movine if she had ever experienced this while waiting for water. She said, "Yes, this happens frequently and is disturbing. I feel disturbed because mostly my fellow children and l face harassment from the elderly people."
It is culturally common for elders to go before children even if they come to the waterpoint later. This means that children like Movine spend a lot of time in line because they keep getting pushed to the back. It makes it difficult to get to school so they can prioritize their education.
"Early in the morning, l fetch water at the spring first before l go to school. Mostly, l get to school late, leading to punishment," said Movine.
Protecting the spring would resolve Movine's water crisis, restore her health and peace, and allow her to pursue her education and fulfill her dreams.
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.
