A Year Later: "I'm elated to say the least!"

Fifty-six-year-old farmer Beatrice Khasalia recalled what life was like in the Echiviywa Community before her community's spring was protected last year.

"It was a tedious and dangerous exercise fetching water from the spring before its protection. Walking down the steep access path wasn't an easy thing. It was really tough due to my advanced age, and sometimes, I would sit by the spring with an empty jerrican, hoping that children from the neighborhood would come to my rescue. Even when they did, it wasn't for free," said Beatrice.

"The waterpoint was an open deep hole that would be completely covered in mud every time it rained. This left us with the herculean task of excavating the spring eye to access water. In most cases, the water was too dirty to even be considered for washing clothes, let alone drinking. A lot of my time was wasted at the unprotected spring, and I often felt like my life was stuck. Waterborne diseases were very common, and personally, I was diagnosed with typhoid on numerous occasions," Beatrice continued.

Collecting water is now much different for Beatrice and the other community members in Echiviywa.

Beatrice collecting water.

"I'm elated, to say the least! My life has simply turned upside down for the better. The deep hole I used to scoop water from is now clean and safe. The stairs have made it easier to access the water point without worrying about breaking my back! I no longer worry about catching typhoid or other waterborne disease. Nowadays, it takes me much less time to go to the spring, and I don't even need to send anyone to fetch water for me. [The] protection of this spring is the best thing that ever happened to me and my neighbors. I can only speak blessings upon everyone involved in ensuring we have access to clean and safe water," exclaimed Beatrice.

Having ready access to water from the spring has allowed Beatrice to collect water when needed and experience better health so she can dream about making improvements in the future.

"My health and personal hygiene have greatly improved. I can now save the money that would have been spent on medication and use it to start an income-generating project like brick making or expand my farming activities," declared Beatrice.

Beatrice fills her water containers at home.