This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Hayley Webster. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build a protection for the spring and to provide for treatment of the water.
Hayley reports:
The spring at Shinabatende was successfully protected, providing the 420 residents of the village with safe water.
To protect the spring community members began by digging to find the water source. The spring being protected had several sources within a 3-meter square area.
After the hole was dug it was edged with bricks and concrete to prevent water from escaping. At the same time a pipe was placed to allow the water to exit the spring in a controlled manner.
After this was completed the hole was filled with porous stones until stones completely covered the water. By doing this, all of the water will be filtered naturally to remove dirt and many other impurities.
The process will not remove all water borne disease however, which is why a chlorine dispenser will also be used. Once the stones were sufficient, they were covered with a tarp, which was then covered with dirt that will be planted with grass to ensure that it does not erode. This natural barrier will help to further protect the spring.
The area is being fenced off to prevent both people and animals from walking on top of the spring. Keeping people and animals away from the source will also help to prevent future contamination.
The community of Shinabatende is thrilled with the spring. They are impressed by the work they were able to achieve within less than two weeks. Mama Mabel said, “I am so happy my grandchildren will have safe water. I never thought I would live to see it.” Mama Mabel and her husband remain involved in their community, actively trying to make it better.
Sauba, a health clinic employee who helped implement the project in the community said, “This spring will make it much easier and safer for women here. Thank you, water is a blessing.”
Prisca, the nurse organizing the project said, “I am so proud of the community. I am happy we found Water Charity to assist us, without them we could not have done this.”
The community managed to complete the spring protection in a short amount of time as it was close to my COS (Close of Service) when the project was approved. We held an initial meeting and began work quickly. I had never seen anything move along at a pace like that in my village, but people were motivated by their desire for safe drinking water.
We wish to thank Hayley for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to the SLOW LIFE Foundation, together with Hayley’s friends and family, for providing the funding.
