Residents of the Gul Maembe community faced a complex water crisis. Without a safe water source available, they had no choice but to rely on contaminated river water for all their daily needs—exposing them to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting, and parasites with every sip. In addition to the water being unsafe, collecting it was a safety hazard. Residents risked injury daily, as the path to the river was long, rocky, and slippery. Most of all, the river itself posed a serious risk of drowning, particularly for young children. [read more]