Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
The 140 community members who live in the Eshisari Community have done their best to resolve the water issues at their main water source, Kalikano Spring, but nothing has been resolved. There is a lack of safe access, low water flow during the dry season, and, most devastatingly, poor water quality.
The spring in need of protection.
Centrine Kangu, a 26-year-old wife and mother, constantly worries that the water she collects and gives to her family will make them ill, but, without an alternative, she must regrettably take the risk.
Centrine Kangu.
"It breaks my heart to know that the very water I give to my children to quench their thirst is the same water that brings them sickness," said Centrine.
Centrine waits for her turn to collect water from the spring.
"Each time I fetch from this spring, I am filled with worry, because I know that diarrhea, stomach pains, or fever may follow. I have watched my children miss school because of this water, and I have spent nights by their side as they cry in pain. What hurts even more is that I do not have another choice. I know the water is unsafe, but it is the only source close to us," she lamented.
"My child became very sick after drinking from this spring. He had diarrhea and vomiting the whole night and could not eat the next day. I rushed him to the health center, and the nurse told me it was because of the water. Since then, I worry every time I fetch water here, but we have no other source to depend on," lamented Centrine.
Thankfully, Centrine's son recovered. But there are times she simply does not have the resources to ensure her children receive the care they need and meet their most basic needs. It is devastating as a mother to not be able to give your child what they need and watch them suffer.
Centrine at the spring.
"The health center gives us Zinc and ORS when children are sick, but sometimes the medicine runs out, and we struggle, so we opt for buying tablets from the chemist to stop stomach pain and diarrhea. It takes a lot of money. Every time my child falls sick I have to take him to the hospital were we spend on transport, lab tests and buying medicine. Sometimes I can't afford [it]," Centrine said.
"When my children fall sick from this water, they cannot go to school, and I also fail to do my daily work. I spend all my time caring for them and looking for medicine. The little money I get ends up at the chemist instead of [going toward] food or paying school fees. It is very hard for us," Centrine.
Protecting Centrine's spring isn't just about clean water. It's about breaking a cycle that keeps her family trapped.
Centrine deserves to confidently collect safe, clean spring water. When she has a protected spring, she has something every mother deserves: the ability to give her family a brighter future, so she and her children can thrive, not just survive.
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 possible 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 our team's guidance, the community elects a water user committee representative of its diverse members. This committee assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, organizing community efforts, and gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
