Enyera Community

May, 2026: Enyera Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Ms. Salasya.

"I am glad that my grandchildren get to have access to clean water, and they'll be free from diseases as they grow up. Health is wealth. Water is life. They will no longer have to line up for hours, waiting to fetch, only to be pushed back," said Zainah Salasya, 62.

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

9-year-old Sheban is hopeful for change.

Sheban.

"I will work hard and stay in class in order to improve my performance. The diseases that made me stay at home are over. I used to sit [at] home for [a] long [time] after getting sick, even a week or more, and missed most teachings. Sometimes my parents also lacked [school] fees, but things are going to be different," said Sheban.

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 member hauls bricks to support the spring protection.

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.

Field Officer Mercy Odongo was very impressed by the community's partnership in the implementation of this spring protection!

Hauling more materials.

"The community made every aspect easy as they were highly cooperative. They came in handy as some provided unskilled labor, [while] others brought the locally available materials. Their unity was on another level. Finding a needy community is one thing, but finding a unified community, [that] speaks [with] one voice is entirely an experience that is very unique."

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 spring's 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.

Constructing the walls.

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.

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.

Setting stones to help prevent erosion.

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 beneath the discharge pipe.

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.

Planting grass above the spring.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Enyera community.

The spring is complete!

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Adelaide Nasimiyu, Joyce Naliaka, David Mulinge, and Mercy Odongo deployed to the site to lead the event. 33 people attended the training, including 27 women and six men.

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.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which 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.

32-year-old Daisy Herina participated in the training. She shared, "I actually enjoyed it a lot. I've always wanted to know how to make soap, so that I can sell [it] to boost my salon, provide for my homestead, and also for my domestic use."

Daisy.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

April, 2026: Exciting Progress in Enyera Community, Thanks to You!

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