It's crazy to think that a week ago today we were travelling back from Monze bound for Lusaka. At this point we had no idea what we would face in the afternoon in Ngo'mbe settlement and how it would affect us all.
The first day back at work on Tuesday was tough, I found the whole experience difficult to talk about and every time I tried the emotion would start flooding back. As the week has gone on however, it has become easier to talk about although I'm still finding it difficult to put the experience into words.
Although this week has been a very busy one, Zambia and the experiences I had and the people I met are never far from my mind, especially the young girl in Ngo'mbe.
Although we only spent a week together (and what a week it was) I am also missing my fellow supporters, we all share this unique experience which very few can understand. I hope we all keep in contact and I'm already looking forward to our de-briefing day in March at the WaterAid offices.
I have also been thinking of further, interesting and slightly unusual ways of raising money for WaterAid and using my experience to get more people involved with the charity. One idea, which I thought was a bit of a long shot, may infact happen!
In the meantime, training begins again in earnest for the Paddock Wood half marathon which is little over a month away. If you would like to sponsor me: www.virginmoneygiving.com/joannashippey
Once again, Twalumba kapatch (thank you very much) for reading this blog
P.S. I promise photos will follow soon
Saturday 25 February 2012
Sunday 19 February 2012
Day Seven - Sunday 19th February
Today was wind down day as we prepared for the long journey home on Monday.
We visited a market, updated blogs and notes, had a de-brief with the WaterAid Zambia team and wound down from this incredible week.
Although we spent time reflecting on our trip, it was still Saturday that was most dominant in our minds.
We in England don't realize how lucky we are to have clean, safe running water flowing straight to our taps 24/7 and flushing toilets.
Yes, the water may, on the rare occasion, not be there due to a burst or maintenance work, but we really have no cause to complain.
WaterAid does an amazing job, but with 4,000 children a day dying from the lack of clean water and sanitation there is still so much more we can do.
I hope this has raised some awareness of the issues and made you think about supporting WaterAid in the future.
There will be future posts in the coming weeks as I add photos and more detail so please keep checking back.
I am writing this on Monday morning as we prepare to leave to hotel ahead of the long flight home and I know my life will never be the same as it was just eight days ago.
Thank you both South East Water and WaterAid for this amazing experience. I hope I do this trip justice by raising awareness and money for this charity in the future so more people in developing countries have have this basic human right, access to to safe, clean water and sanitation.
Thank you again for reading.
We visited a market, updated blogs and notes, had a de-brief with the WaterAid Zambia team and wound down from this incredible week.
Although we spent time reflecting on our trip, it was still Saturday that was most dominant in our minds.
We in England don't realize how lucky we are to have clean, safe running water flowing straight to our taps 24/7 and flushing toilets.
Yes, the water may, on the rare occasion, not be there due to a burst or maintenance work, but we really have no cause to complain.
WaterAid does an amazing job, but with 4,000 children a day dying from the lack of clean water and sanitation there is still so much more we can do.
I hope this has raised some awareness of the issues and made you think about supporting WaterAid in the future.
There will be future posts in the coming weeks as I add photos and more detail so please keep checking back.
I am writing this on Monday morning as we prepare to leave to hotel ahead of the long flight home and I know my life will never be the same as it was just eight days ago.
Thank you both South East Water and WaterAid for this amazing experience. I hope I do this trip justice by raising awareness and money for this charity in the future so more people in developing countries have have this basic human right, access to to safe, clean water and sanitation.
Thank you again for reading.
Day six - Saturday 18th February 2012
After an early start and a three hour journey we arrived back at where we began this amazing journey, in this country's capital Lusaksa.
I always knew this afternoon would be the most emotional day of this whole trip, and it certainly was.
Ngo'mbe is one of 39 high density urban areas in the capital city Lusaka.
The area has experienced rapid population growth - in 2005 there were approximately 35,000 people living in this 5km diameter settlement, but at the beginning of 2012 there was an estimated 80,000 residents!
When entering Ngo'mbe and driving to our meeting area I was struck by the number of people and children walking around as well as how close all the homes were together, at that point though, we were still in the periphery.
We had a meeting which included members of the WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) Committe for the area, Keeper Zambia Foundation which is WaterAid's partner for the area and the Zwanda Water Trust which was established in 2005 and is responsible for providing clean, safe tap water into the area.
During the meeting we heard about the difficulties faced in the area and how WaterAid and its partners are trying to overcome them.
The major problem is the rapidly expanding population and the difficulties faced with installing water supplies while keeping up with population growth.
The Keeper Zambia Foundation has been working with WaterAid since 2009 and helps to promote the importance of clean water and sanitation. They built a number of demo latrines and toilets to help inspire residents to install these systems.
Before intervention began many people would deficate in plastic bags or dig holes in the ground, there there were toilets they were open holes in the ground which offered no privacy. For those areas where latrines haven't yet been constructed, residents are urged to build structures, normally with plastic bags around the open holes to provide a small amount of privacy.
+234.JPG)
The WASH committee are going out meeting residents and talk to them about the importance of clean water and sanitation, the WASH committee make repeat visits to keep the messaging fresh in peoples mind.
Regarding water supply, Zwanda Water Trust get water from a borehole about 4km away from the settlement and pump it to 68 kiosks where they buy the water, however there is a huge price discrepancy between the amount wealthy people are charged and those in the slum. In the wealthy areas residents are charged 6p for 20 litres of water where as those in the slums are charged 12p for 20 litres. The reason behind that is because the work and infrastructure required in these urban areas are far higher than in the wealthy area.
About 60% of properties are rented so there is a huge emphasis on landlords to provide adequate sanitation for their tenants, however not all comply.
Following the meeting we walked through the area, meeting residents to talk about their experiences and thoughts surrounding clean water and sanitation.
During the walk I was struck by the amount of noise in the slum, as well as the smells, number of people and those who looked a little worse for wear (drunk), the amount of rubbish littering streets, market stalls selling food and coal, bars as well as the narrow streets and people literally living on top of each other.
Despite the chaos of it all I felt quite safe, children were coming up wanting their photos taken and residents were talking to us.
During the walk I saw a hole which had only recently had a structure built round it to provide privacy. The problem was there were large holes in the plastic surround, lots of flies and the smell was just indescribable. You cannot believe people use them.
On the walk I stopped and spoke to 34-year-old Zangose Mwene who has lived in the settlement for just one month with her three young children. She earns a small living by washing clothes.
Because her home didn't have a toilet she dug a hole to use as a toilet herself and put up the plastic barrier which again had many holes in. This hole is now shared by three families totalling nine people.
She described how when she is using it people peer in to watch her and she gets scared using it at night. She's not heard of anyone being attacked while using the toilets in this settlement, but in the one she came from attacks did happen. The settlement is surrounded by wealthy houses which can be clearly seen from her home. She says she gets angry and upset that she and her family have to use holes in the ground to go to the toilet, while the wealthy people watch the settlement doing nothing, she feels very powerless and that its unfair that so many are suffering while others are not.
She needs to take her children to the clinic once or twice a month because of ilnesses associated with using toilets like this. There is only one clinic serving the 80,000 population and she has to pay for any medicines. Although she's not yet met anyone from the WASH committee, she has heard about the need to wash hands after using the toilet and when eating/preparing food and actively practices it. Although she and her family get ill, since practicing improved hygiene their health has improved.
When it comes to safe water Zangose is far more boyant, she has a kiosk close to her house which she did not have where she used to live. However, she struggles to pay the 12p per 20 litres and for one week a month goes without water. Because she knows drinking water from the river will make her ill, she gets loans from her neighbours so she can buy water and her family can drink safe, clean water, but she does end up getting in debt because of it.
Zangose prefers where she lives now to where she used to live and the only things that she would like are to have access to a latrine and for her children to get good jobs so they can move to a better house.
After speaking to Zangose we moved to the river, a river which faeces run into from latrines, a river which is used by cattle to wash themselves and a river where rubbish is dumped. Once reaching the river we were confronted by a horrendous sight, people washing their clothes and children playing in the water. Although I did not see anyone drink from the water, many people still do if they can't afford the clean, safe water at the kiosks. There area was also being used as a rubbish dump.
It was one of the most upsetting things I have seen, many if us were in tears (including myself), how, in this say and age are people allowed to live in these conditions? It is truly unbelievable.
What is equally upsetting was while I was crying some children went up to Suzie, a fellow water supoorter, asking why I was so sad. They just didn't understand about the terrible conditions they live in. Suzie explained to them as sensitively as she could and the children seemed not to question it, so maybe there is a small amount of understanding.
One six-year-old girl who befriended us and was interested in what we were doing really wasn't well, she was coughing, shaking, freezing to touch and had, on occasion, a vacant look in her eye. Whatever illness she had must have been a result of her living conditions.
People should not live like this in this day and age.
We left as the sun began to set, and as we walked back to the cars the mood in the town was certainly changing. Music was getting louder, more people were on the streets, there were a few more drunks and we all began to feel a little unsafe!
If there if one day which I reflect on for the rest of my life, it would be this day. I have done my best to put this day into words but I know I have not done it justice.
This day has proved how important WaterAid's work really Is because people should not be forced to live in this way.
I always knew this afternoon would be the most emotional day of this whole trip, and it certainly was.
Ngo'mbe is one of 39 high density urban areas in the capital city Lusaka.
The area has experienced rapid population growth - in 2005 there were approximately 35,000 people living in this 5km diameter settlement, but at the beginning of 2012 there was an estimated 80,000 residents!
When entering Ngo'mbe and driving to our meeting area I was struck by the number of people and children walking around as well as how close all the homes were together, at that point though, we were still in the periphery.
We had a meeting which included members of the WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) Committe for the area, Keeper Zambia Foundation which is WaterAid's partner for the area and the Zwanda Water Trust which was established in 2005 and is responsible for providing clean, safe tap water into the area.
During the meeting we heard about the difficulties faced in the area and how WaterAid and its partners are trying to overcome them.
The major problem is the rapidly expanding population and the difficulties faced with installing water supplies while keeping up with population growth.
The Keeper Zambia Foundation has been working with WaterAid since 2009 and helps to promote the importance of clean water and sanitation. They built a number of demo latrines and toilets to help inspire residents to install these systems.
Before intervention began many people would deficate in plastic bags or dig holes in the ground, there there were toilets they were open holes in the ground which offered no privacy. For those areas where latrines haven't yet been constructed, residents are urged to build structures, normally with plastic bags around the open holes to provide a small amount of privacy.
+234.JPG)
One of the many holes which residents dig so they can go to the toilet
The WASH committee are going out meeting residents and talk to them about the importance of clean water and sanitation, the WASH committee make repeat visits to keep the messaging fresh in peoples mind.
Regarding water supply, Zwanda Water Trust get water from a borehole about 4km away from the settlement and pump it to 68 kiosks where they buy the water, however there is a huge price discrepancy between the amount wealthy people are charged and those in the slum. In the wealthy areas residents are charged 6p for 20 litres of water where as those in the slums are charged 12p for 20 litres. The reason behind that is because the work and infrastructure required in these urban areas are far higher than in the wealthy area.
One of the many water kiosks within the slum
About 60% of properties are rented so there is a huge emphasis on landlords to provide adequate sanitation for their tenants, however not all comply.
Following the meeting we walked through the area, meeting residents to talk about their experiences and thoughts surrounding clean water and sanitation.
During the walk I was struck by the amount of noise in the slum, as well as the smells, number of people and those who looked a little worse for wear (drunk), the amount of rubbish littering streets, market stalls selling food and coal, bars as well as the narrow streets and people literally living on top of each other.
Despite the chaos of it all I felt quite safe, children were coming up wanting their photos taken and residents were talking to us.
During the walk I saw a hole which had only recently had a structure built round it to provide privacy. The problem was there were large holes in the plastic surround, lots of flies and the smell was just indescribable. You cannot believe people use them.
On the walk I stopped and spoke to 34-year-old Zangose Mwene who has lived in the settlement for just one month with her three young children. She earns a small living by washing clothes.
Because her home didn't have a toilet she dug a hole to use as a toilet herself and put up the plastic barrier which again had many holes in. This hole is now shared by three families totalling nine people.
Zangose Mwene standing outside the toilet she shares with three other families
She described how when she is using it people peer in to watch her and she gets scared using it at night. She's not heard of anyone being attacked while using the toilets in this settlement, but in the one she came from attacks did happen. The settlement is surrounded by wealthy houses which can be clearly seen from her home. She says she gets angry and upset that she and her family have to use holes in the ground to go to the toilet, while the wealthy people watch the settlement doing nothing, she feels very powerless and that its unfair that so many are suffering while others are not.
She needs to take her children to the clinic once or twice a month because of ilnesses associated with using toilets like this. There is only one clinic serving the 80,000 population and she has to pay for any medicines. Although she's not yet met anyone from the WASH committee, she has heard about the need to wash hands after using the toilet and when eating/preparing food and actively practices it. Although she and her family get ill, since practicing improved hygiene their health has improved.
When it comes to safe water Zangose is far more boyant, she has a kiosk close to her house which she did not have where she used to live. However, she struggles to pay the 12p per 20 litres and for one week a month goes without water. Because she knows drinking water from the river will make her ill, she gets loans from her neighbours so she can buy water and her family can drink safe, clean water, but she does end up getting in debt because of it.
Zangose prefers where she lives now to where she used to live and the only things that she would like are to have access to a latrine and for her children to get good jobs so they can move to a better house.
After speaking to Zangose we moved to the river, a river which faeces run into from latrines, a river which is used by cattle to wash themselves and a river where rubbish is dumped. Once reaching the river we were confronted by a horrendous sight, people washing their clothes and children playing in the water. Although I did not see anyone drink from the water, many people still do if they can't afford the clean, safe water at the kiosks. There area was also being used as a rubbish dump.
The river where children play, rubbish is dumped, clothes are washed and where faeces from latrines are drained
It was one of the most upsetting things I have seen, many if us were in tears (including myself), how, in this say and age are people allowed to live in these conditions? It is truly unbelievable.
What is equally upsetting was while I was crying some children went up to Suzie, a fellow water supoorter, asking why I was so sad. They just didn't understand about the terrible conditions they live in. Suzie explained to them as sensitively as she could and the children seemed not to question it, so maybe there is a small amount of understanding.
One six-year-old girl who befriended us and was interested in what we were doing really wasn't well, she was coughing, shaking, freezing to touch and had, on occasion, a vacant look in her eye. Whatever illness she had must have been a result of her living conditions.
People should not live like this in this day and age.
We left as the sun began to set, and as we walked back to the cars the mood in the town was certainly changing. Music was getting louder, more people were on the streets, there were a few more drunks and we all began to feel a little unsafe!
If there if one day which I reflect on for the rest of my life, it would be this day. I have done my best to put this day into words but I know I have not done it justice.
This day has proved how important WaterAid's work really Is because people should not be forced to live in this way.
Saturday 18 February 2012
Day Five - Friday 17th February
Today was a day of two halves.
To kick off we visited Chisekesi, a semi urban town which is post WaterAid intevention. Here the charity has worked closely with Southern Water and Sewerage Company to provide a water supply.
There are currently 2,500 people in the town and so far two thirds of those have access to a safe, clean water supply.
Before water was supplied in the town they got their water from open wells and suffered dysentery as a result. Since this water supply has been installed the health of local residents has improved drastically.
We first visited the solar powered pumping station. Due to it being solar powered, water can only be pumped during the day and when it's sunny, as soon as it clouds over the water stops. The water tank on site can hold one days worth of water. Once more money is available they may look to install a battery which can also be charged by the sun, that way when it clouds over or gets dark water can continue to be supplied.
The reason a solar powered pump was installed instead of an electric one, is purely down to costs, solar power is cheaper.
After a brief visit to see the pumping station we visited a kiosk which was installed in 2010 and is where locals can buy their water cheaply.
Residents are charged approximately 15p per 20 litres and residents can pre-buy x40 of those 20 litres, that way they don't always need to worry about money.
The lady who runs the kiosk wants to expand to sell more than just water, so it becomes a small grocers too.
During this visit I got the impression this system has made a huge difference to the town, although a third of the town does not have access to this system Southern Water and Sewerage Company aim to connect them in the future.
While Chisekrshi was uplifting the second place we visited left us all confused and highlights the problems and issues WaterAid Zambia must encounter on a regular basis.
Muzoka is a peri-urban town where no work has yet taken place. Before work begins on any project WaterAid spends considerable time researching, speaking and educating locals and only when they are ready does WaterAid begin its work.
When entering the town what struck me was how rundown the town was, it appeared the locals did .it take too much pride in their environment, compared to the small villages we had visited before this was a shock.
+150.JPG)
We spoke to local councillors and officials about their water problem.
Muzoka has 560 households, a population of approximately 2,500 and two boreholes, only one of which is working. It does not take a genius to work out that one borehole, let alone two, is not enough for a population of this size.
Women get up at 3am to collect water, if they leave it much later then they will need to queue and then they run the risk of demand outstripping supply as the borehole struggles to produce the required amount if water. If the borehole runs dry they are forced to go to the river at the nearby dump where cattle go to wash etc.
Two years ago every household had its own latrine. However, when the rains came many collapsed, meaning many residents had to use a neighbour's latrine or revert back to what they used to do, go in open fields, plastic bags or dig holes. Some latrines have been re-dug, but not all.
We were confused as to why the town had prioritised installing electricity over water, however they said that it was because they thought water was to be installed at the same time.
We were also puzzled where the 3,500 kwacha (approximately 48p) that each household was paying towards maintenance of the boreholes was going as the broken borehole had not been repaired. We didn't get a satisfactory answer to that one!
It was clear there were a number of people vying to be leader which led to confusing messages and we all felt a little dejected by the whole meeting and what we saw. When I returned back to the hotel I had a few tears as I could not make sense if it all. Fortunately now I think I have my conclusion!
The community is desperate for a water supply but lack the knowledge and direction of how to go about installing one. The lack of a strong leader means committees aren't being created and residents are directionless.
This is why organisations such as WaterAid are vital, as considerable time is spent working with the community, informing them about the importance of clean water and sanitation, as well as providing that vital support when it comes to the installation of water and sanitation systems, but also how to operate as a community to maintain the equipment and knowledge.
Although this day was extremely upsetting and confusing, it is nothing compared with how I felt following Saturdays experience. It was extremely upsetting and harrowing. At the moment I can't think about what I witnessed today without welling up.
I hope tomorrow I will be able to put it all into words for you to read.
But for now, twalumba kapach (thank you very much (in Tonga) for continuing to read this blog.
To kick off we visited Chisekesi, a semi urban town which is post WaterAid intevention. Here the charity has worked closely with Southern Water and Sewerage Company to provide a water supply.
There are currently 2,500 people in the town and so far two thirds of those have access to a safe, clean water supply.
Before water was supplied in the town they got their water from open wells and suffered dysentery as a result. Since this water supply has been installed the health of local residents has improved drastically.
We first visited the solar powered pumping station. Due to it being solar powered, water can only be pumped during the day and when it's sunny, as soon as it clouds over the water stops. The water tank on site can hold one days worth of water. Once more money is available they may look to install a battery which can also be charged by the sun, that way when it clouds over or gets dark water can continue to be supplied.
The reason a solar powered pump was installed instead of an electric one, is purely down to costs, solar power is cheaper.
After a brief visit to see the pumping station we visited a kiosk which was installed in 2010 and is where locals can buy their water cheaply.
A water kiosk where local residents can buy clearn, safe water
Residents are charged approximately 15p per 20 litres and residents can pre-buy x40 of those 20 litres, that way they don't always need to worry about money.
The lady who runs the kiosk wants to expand to sell more than just water, so it becomes a small grocers too.
During this visit I got the impression this system has made a huge difference to the town, although a third of the town does not have access to this system Southern Water and Sewerage Company aim to connect them in the future.
While Chisekrshi was uplifting the second place we visited left us all confused and highlights the problems and issues WaterAid Zambia must encounter on a regular basis.
Muzoka is a peri-urban town where no work has yet taken place. Before work begins on any project WaterAid spends considerable time researching, speaking and educating locals and only when they are ready does WaterAid begin its work.
When entering the town what struck me was how rundown the town was, it appeared the locals did .it take too much pride in their environment, compared to the small villages we had visited before this was a shock.
+150.JPG)
The village of Muzoka
We spoke to local councillors and officials about their water problem.
Muzoka has 560 households, a population of approximately 2,500 and two boreholes, only one of which is working. It does not take a genius to work out that one borehole, let alone two, is not enough for a population of this size.
Women get up at 3am to collect water, if they leave it much later then they will need to queue and then they run the risk of demand outstripping supply as the borehole struggles to produce the required amount if water. If the borehole runs dry they are forced to go to the river at the nearby dump where cattle go to wash etc.
Two years ago every household had its own latrine. However, when the rains came many collapsed, meaning many residents had to use a neighbour's latrine or revert back to what they used to do, go in open fields, plastic bags or dig holes. Some latrines have been re-dug, but not all.
We were confused as to why the town had prioritised installing electricity over water, however they said that it was because they thought water was to be installed at the same time.
We were also puzzled where the 3,500 kwacha (approximately 48p) that each household was paying towards maintenance of the boreholes was going as the broken borehole had not been repaired. We didn't get a satisfactory answer to that one!
It was clear there were a number of people vying to be leader which led to confusing messages and we all felt a little dejected by the whole meeting and what we saw. When I returned back to the hotel I had a few tears as I could not make sense if it all. Fortunately now I think I have my conclusion!
The community is desperate for a water supply but lack the knowledge and direction of how to go about installing one. The lack of a strong leader means committees aren't being created and residents are directionless.
This is why organisations such as WaterAid are vital, as considerable time is spent working with the community, informing them about the importance of clean water and sanitation, as well as providing that vital support when it comes to the installation of water and sanitation systems, but also how to operate as a community to maintain the equipment and knowledge.
Although this day was extremely upsetting and confusing, it is nothing compared with how I felt following Saturdays experience. It was extremely upsetting and harrowing. At the moment I can't think about what I witnessed today without welling up.
I hope tomorrow I will be able to put it all into words for you to read.
But for now, twalumba kapach (thank you very much (in Tonga) for continuing to read this blog.
Day 4, Thursday 16th February 2012
Today was a great day for water geeks such as myself (and my fellow WaterAid supporters) as today we visited Southern Water and Sewerage Company (nothing to do with the Southern Water we know)!
The Company was formed in 1999 after the Government decided to privatise the small Local Authority run water supply systems.
Since then Southern Water and Sewerage Company has been building on what was originally constructed.
WaterAid has been supporting a number of the water company's projects as a lack of money makes it hard to improve and enter new areas.
We visited the small town of Batoka which has a population of 2,500. It was about five years ago when Southern Water and Sewerage Company began supplying the town.
For fellow geeks out there the town has 3km of 2-inch iron pipework which serves two thirds of the population. The supply comes from a borehole which is 45 metres deep.
The water is pumped to a pump house where Chlorine is added, it is then pumped to a water tower before it goes out into the community.
+070.JPG)
As you can imagine, that borehole is not adequate enough to supply that population 24/7. As a result water is rationed to only a few hours a day and pressure is poor, especially for those further away from the Southern Water and Sewerage Company site.
The Company estimates 4-5km of new pipework is required and most of the old pipework needs to be replaced.
What was most interesting was their thoughts on compulsory water metering and billing.
Metering: they are introducing compulsory metering like water companies in England, and like water companies in England they are facing the exact same problems.
I spoke to a family which includes 15 children and five adults, they are concerned their bills will increase when they are required to change to a water meter.
Billing: all customers supplied by the Company are charged approximately £4.25 a month (unmeasured) and approximately 25p per cubic meter if they are metered.
Unlike the UK, if they don't pay their supply is cut off and they can either pay direct to the water company or through special kiosks (more about that tomorrow).
Like back home, the water company does all it can to help promote water efficiency. This, however, is far easier to do in Zambia because schools and parents teach it, they also know what it's like to walk miles each day to get water, so they know how precious it is.
In the South East Water region customers use on average 160 litres of water a day. When the family I was with was told that they were extremely shocked as they use just 120 litres a day between 20! They could not understand why we needed that much.
You maybe thinking that because there is an official water supply network that residents have flushing toilets, baths and sinks. Some do, but that's the minority, most still have to walk to a communual tap, or standpipe to get their water.
Regarding sewerage, in Batoka there is not a sewerage system as yet so many still use their latrines.
This visit was extremely interesting as there are many similarities between English and Zambian companies.
In the afternoon we visited Silimi Village which is currently receiving WaterAid's help with its partner DAPP.
The village has a population of 279 spread over 46 households.
The organisations have been working to educate the community since August 2011 and they understood everything so quickly their water pump was installed in November 2011!
Here, I (along with Kevin Buck from Southern Water) helped build the concrete slab for a new latrine. We mixed concrete, created the moulds and did 'shining', which is basically smoothing the concrete so it is easy to clean. Hopefully next Thursday the concrete will be set and it can be moved into position above the pit.
The community of Silimi Village are relishing WaterAid and DAPP's help. They stone mason we were with, for example, is also the village builder. When WaterAid came they used kid existing skills and taught him how to build the latrine slab. due to his workload he already has three people working for him, orders from eight places/organisations to build latrines, plus complete the village's latrines.
Before WaterAid and DAPP arrived villagers were travelling 4km to their nearest river to get water. They were regularly sick and since the pump has been installed their health has improved drastically.
Today was another really interesting day which reinforced my view that communities and private companies are willing to put in the effort in to better themselves.
The Company was formed in 1999 after the Government decided to privatise the small Local Authority run water supply systems.
Since then Southern Water and Sewerage Company has been building on what was originally constructed.
WaterAid has been supporting a number of the water company's projects as a lack of money makes it hard to improve and enter new areas.
We visited the small town of Batoka which has a population of 2,500. It was about five years ago when Southern Water and Sewerage Company began supplying the town.
For fellow geeks out there the town has 3km of 2-inch iron pipework which serves two thirds of the population. The supply comes from a borehole which is 45 metres deep.
The water is pumped to a pump house where Chlorine is added, it is then pumped to a water tower before it goes out into the community.
+070.JPG)
The water tower and pump house in Batoka - tiny compared to UK standards
As you can imagine, that borehole is not adequate enough to supply that population 24/7. As a result water is rationed to only a few hours a day and pressure is poor, especially for those further away from the Southern Water and Sewerage Company site.
The Company estimates 4-5km of new pipework is required and most of the old pipework needs to be replaced.
What was most interesting was their thoughts on compulsory water metering and billing.
Metering: they are introducing compulsory metering like water companies in England, and like water companies in England they are facing the exact same problems.
I spoke to a family which includes 15 children and five adults, they are concerned their bills will increase when they are required to change to a water meter.
Billing: all customers supplied by the Company are charged approximately £4.25 a month (unmeasured) and approximately 25p per cubic meter if they are metered.
Unlike the UK, if they don't pay their supply is cut off and they can either pay direct to the water company or through special kiosks (more about that tomorrow).
Like back home, the water company does all it can to help promote water efficiency. This, however, is far easier to do in Zambia because schools and parents teach it, they also know what it's like to walk miles each day to get water, so they know how precious it is.
In the South East Water region customers use on average 160 litres of water a day. When the family I was with was told that they were extremely shocked as they use just 120 litres a day between 20! They could not understand why we needed that much.
You maybe thinking that because there is an official water supply network that residents have flushing toilets, baths and sinks. Some do, but that's the minority, most still have to walk to a communual tap, or standpipe to get their water.
Regarding sewerage, in Batoka there is not a sewerage system as yet so many still use their latrines.
This visit was extremely interesting as there are many similarities between English and Zambian companies.
In the afternoon we visited Silimi Village which is currently receiving WaterAid's help with its partner DAPP.
The village has a population of 279 spread over 46 households.
The organisations have been working to educate the community since August 2011 and they understood everything so quickly their water pump was installed in November 2011!
Here, I (along with Kevin Buck from Southern Water) helped build the concrete slab for a new latrine. We mixed concrete, created the moulds and did 'shining', which is basically smoothing the concrete so it is easy to clean. Hopefully next Thursday the concrete will be set and it can be moved into position above the pit.
The community of Silimi Village are relishing WaterAid and DAPP's help. They stone mason we were with, for example, is also the village builder. When WaterAid came they used kid existing skills and taught him how to build the latrine slab. due to his workload he already has three people working for him, orders from eight places/organisations to build latrines, plus complete the village's latrines.
Silimi Village
The water pump installed at Silimi village.
Before WaterAid and DAPP arrived villagers were travelling 4km to their nearest river to get water. They were regularly sick and since the pump has been installed their health has improved drastically.
Today was another really interesting day which reinforced my view that communities and private companies are willing to put in the effort in to better themselves.
Friday 17 February 2012
Day 3, Wednesday 15th November 2012
Today was a really interesting and uplifting day spending the majority of it at a rural school - Chiyaboola.
Shortly after arrival we received a warm welcome from the pupils who sang the Zambian National Anthem and recited poems, we all then introduced ourselves and Matt explained what we were doing there.
The school was built in 1935 and today has 900 pupils all from surrounding villages and 22 teachers.
It was only in 2008 when WaterAid funded the construction of 8 latrines, 3 hand wash taps and one water pump.
Before WaterAid's help pupils were regularly off school with dioreah and cholora and attendance was just 20%.
Since the installation of the latrines, taps and hand pump, attendance is now approximately 90%, some children have baths at school and both exam pass rates and personal hygiene standards have improved. Just from my own observation, all pupils washed their hands with soap after using the latrines.
The school has also moved forward in other ways, there is a committee which has been set up to maintain the toilets and small water cooler-type storage facilities have been put in so pupils can easily access water.
I also got the chance to speak to some of the pupils. They have all seen an improvement, not only in their own health since the latrines and water pumps were installed, but also in their family's health too. Pupils are expected to teach their parents the importance of clean water and sanitation and they say their patents are not ill now as a result.
The children were really inspiring, they all wanted to have a career as doctors, nurses, teachers and accountants, one said he even wanted to work for WaterAid!
Following that we then met His Royal Highness Chief Ufwenuka, he is in charge of the local area. When we met him we each individually had to get down on two knees in front of him, clap five times then shake his hand while looking humble. This ritual was taken extremely seriously and you could tell people respected him (when I see you, you must ask me to explain the chair).
Following a bit of singing and dancing with the pupils we visited a nearby village, Mavwali and again we were given an amazing welcome.
Every place we go there is singing, dancing and celebration which shows just how thankfull communities are for WaterAid's (and in turn your) help and donations.
We heard that before WaterAid's help in 2007 villagers were regularly dying because of dirty water and no sanitation. The river they got their water from to drink was the same one cattle would use to drink and cool down in and faeces would also wash into the river, consiquently disease was rife.
When it was first explained to the villagers that the sickness and premature deaths were due to poor water and sanitation they did not believe it.
Now each house has its own latrine and there is a communal water pump sickness levels have dropped considerably and they now understand.
After I thanked the villagers for welcoming us and explained why we were there we went and had a look round.
What struck me was how entrepreneurial they all were and keen to build on what WaterAid had started to further better the village.
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A lot is said about whether we should send aid abroad, that people in Developing Countries just take it and nothing changes. Although I can't speak for all projects, the fact that WaterAid encourage people to continue improving is brilliant, and the fact they actually do it is amazing. They really are using this help as a springboard for a better life.
Shortly after arrival we received a warm welcome from the pupils who sang the Zambian National Anthem and recited poems, we all then introduced ourselves and Matt explained what we were doing there.
The school was built in 1935 and today has 900 pupils all from surrounding villages and 22 teachers.
It was only in 2008 when WaterAid funded the construction of 8 latrines, 3 hand wash taps and one water pump.
Before WaterAid's help pupils were regularly off school with dioreah and cholora and attendance was just 20%.
Since the installation of the latrines, taps and hand pump, attendance is now approximately 90%, some children have baths at school and both exam pass rates and personal hygiene standards have improved. Just from my own observation, all pupils washed their hands with soap after using the latrines.
The latrine blocks and hand washing points at the school
The school has also moved forward in other ways, there is a committee which has been set up to maintain the toilets and small water cooler-type storage facilities have been put in so pupils can easily access water.
I also got the chance to speak to some of the pupils. They have all seen an improvement, not only in their own health since the latrines and water pumps were installed, but also in their family's health too. Pupils are expected to teach their parents the importance of clean water and sanitation and they say their patents are not ill now as a result.
The children were really inspiring, they all wanted to have a career as doctors, nurses, teachers and accountants, one said he even wanted to work for WaterAid!
Speaking with pupils
Following that we then met His Royal Highness Chief Ufwenuka, he is in charge of the local area. When we met him we each individually had to get down on two knees in front of him, clap five times then shake his hand while looking humble. This ritual was taken extremely seriously and you could tell people respected him (when I see you, you must ask me to explain the chair).
Following a bit of singing and dancing with the pupils we visited a nearby village, Mavwali and again we were given an amazing welcome.
Every place we go there is singing, dancing and celebration which shows just how thankfull communities are for WaterAid's (and in turn your) help and donations.
We heard that before WaterAid's help in 2007 villagers were regularly dying because of dirty water and no sanitation. The river they got their water from to drink was the same one cattle would use to drink and cool down in and faeces would also wash into the river, consiquently disease was rife.
When it was first explained to the villagers that the sickness and premature deaths were due to poor water and sanitation they did not believe it.
Now each house has its own latrine and there is a communal water pump sickness levels have dropped considerably and they now understand.
After I thanked the villagers for welcoming us and explained why we were there we went and had a look round.
What struck me was how entrepreneurial they all were and keen to build on what WaterAid had started to further better the village.
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The entreprenurial spirit of the villagers who devised their own handwashing points
They are all keen to set up little businesses, whether that's growing more crops to sell or having more cattle. Before WaterAid's help a lot of their time was spent fetching water so they could survive, now they have the water pump they do not need to keep walking to fetch water, that time is better spent building their businesses.
This village has embraced the sanitation so much that if people don't e.g. keep clean, keep up with their chores (pump maintenance) or deficate in the fields (like they used to) they would be banished (and that has happened)!
They also have an ingenious ways of not only monitoring if people are washing their hands after using the latrines, but also watering plants. Outside each toilet a simply pully contraption on which a container filled with water is hung, that container has the lid only partially screwed on. This means that when a foot presses on the base of this lever the water bottle tips up releasing a small amount of water to wash a person's hands. Below the container a plant is buried, if the plant grows it means people are washing their hands! To clean their hands they use ash instead of soap.
The village also has two committees which are responsible for maintaining the water pump and latrines and villagers are also expected to think of ways to further improve their village, most recently they built a shower!
This village has embraced the sanitation so much that if people don't e.g. keep clean, keep up with their chores (pump maintenance) or deficate in the fields (like they used to) they would be banished (and that has happened)!
They also have an ingenious ways of not only monitoring if people are washing their hands after using the latrines, but also watering plants. Outside each toilet a simply pully contraption on which a container filled with water is hung, that container has the lid only partially screwed on. This means that when a foot presses on the base of this lever the water bottle tips up releasing a small amount of water to wash a person's hands. Below the container a plant is buried, if the plant grows it means people are washing their hands! To clean their hands they use ash instead of soap.
The village also has two committees which are responsible for maintaining the water pump and latrines and villagers are also expected to think of ways to further improve their village, most recently they built a shower!
A lot is said about whether we should send aid abroad, that people in Developing Countries just take it and nothing changes. Although I can't speak for all projects, the fact that WaterAid encourage people to continue improving is brilliant, and the fact they actually do it is amazing. They really are using this help as a springboard for a better life.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Day two - 14th February 2012
It was an early 4am start and a three hour journey in 4x4s along rural roads and through rivers to get to Haboombe village, one of the remotest in the Monze region.
Before we caught sight of the village we heard the music and singing which did not stop for another half hour or so.
After being welcomed to the village by the elder it was explained that there are 28 houses and 283 residents in the village, an average of 10 per household. That may not sound too bad but when you consider that most homes are approximately 12ft by 8ft (or something like that), that's a huge number.
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We learnt from them how difficult their life is without clean water and sanitation, how in the dry season they get up at 4am to start the three hour walk to the nearest river (the one we drive through in the 4x4s) to collect water before walking three hours back again. On that return journey they are both carrying a 25 litre container each!
Before we caught sight of the village we heard the music and singing which did not stop for another half hour or so.
Our welcome to the village
After being welcomed to the village by the elder it was explained that there are 28 houses and 283 residents in the village, an average of 10 per household. That may not sound too bad but when you consider that most homes are approximately 12ft by 8ft (or something like that), that's a huge number.
Homes have thatched roofs, clay walls and no windows. The orangy red dust from the open areas in the village gets everywhere and stains everything.
Kevin Buck (Southern Water's supporter) and I went and spent the day with one family. Friday, the husband (25-years-old), his wife Mary, 22 and their one-year-old baby Elifet.
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Friday and Mary outside their home
We learnt from them how difficult their life is without clean water and sanitation, how in the dry season they get up at 4am to start the three hour walk to the nearest river (the one we drive through in the 4x4s) to collect water before walking three hours back again. On that return journey they are both carrying a 25 litre container each!
The water they collect is reddy/orange in colour and full of things you really don't want to know about (but I'll tell you anyway) such as animal and human faeces and insects, they also use the river to wash their clothes and themselves and animals use it to drink from and clean too.
Could you imagine using this river water? Well, this family has no choice
That water is used for drinking, cooking as well as washing their clothes and themselves. I can't imagine us in England tolerating that!
Regarding sanitation, they've got no where else to do their business apart from behind a bush.
Friday also spoke about illnesses in the village such as eyesight problems and regular severe bouts of diorreoha, sometimes those bouts can last up to a month. Many die prematurely because of the lack of clean, safe water and sanitation.
Would you live like this? No you would find it wholly unacceptable and they agree.
At the moment the villagers only grow enough crops to sustain themselves, however, they do grow a small amount of cotton wich they sell for a very small amount of money. If the village was given access to safe water, sanitation ANC hygiene education it would not only improve their health and life expectancy drastically, but give them more time to grow more crops to sell.
The villagers are keen for WaterAid's help and that help will begin in April 2012 with hygiene education.
I will again update you on my experiences tomorrow.
If you want to find out more about WaterAid log onto. www.wateraid.org.uk
Day one, Monday 13th February 2012
We arrived in Zambia at about 6am to a heroes welcome... literally! Thousands of people were at Lusaka International Airport to greet the triumphant Zambian national football team who, the night before, had beaten the Ivory Coast to win the African Cup of Nations.
As soon as we landed and the plane began to taxi to a place where we could disembark those thousands of supporters swarmed around the plane, banging on the undercarriage, forcing the pilot to turn off the engines until security arrived. it turns out those thousands thought we were the Zambian football team.
Eventually we could leave our plane head through Customs to the thousands of supporters who were out the front of the airport.
Although it was intimidating, it was an amazing way to be introduced to Zambia. The excitement at the achievement was unbelievable, the atmosphere was amazing, lots of singing, dancing car horns(!) and the Zambian flag was everywhere.
After that fantastic introduction to the country and a breakfast stop we visited the WaterAid office in Lusaka and met those who worked for the charity there. They clearly love the charity and enjoy the work they do. We heard a bit about the history of their time in Zambia and that they work with both urban and rural communities as well as lobbying the Government.
They work hard to ensure that after they have installed sanitation and clean water that they leave a lasting legacy. They teach about the importance of hygiene and how to stay clean, they also encourage the community to develop and use the skills they have learnt building latrines and water pumps elsewhere.
After that visit we made the three hour journey to the Monze District where we net the District High Commissioner. He welcomed us to the area and explained the challenges they face, especially in the rural areas.
Following that meeting we had dinner and after more than 36 hours of being awake and travelling we went to bed.
Sunday 12 February 2012
Departure day is finally here!
Well, here we go!
I am currently packing my last few bits before I begin the journey to Heathrow in an hour or so.
Those who know me well know that the apprehension and nerves of this week long experience have been creeping up on me over the past 48 hours or so (also sadness that I will be away from my husband for the longest time in nine years – sorry, yes, soppy I know).Friends and family members who have been reading this blog have gone on to conduct their own research into WaterAid and consider it as a charity they will support in the future. That is truly amazing and I know they will be with me on this journey.
Don’t be concerned if you don’t hear from me in a while, internet connection until Saturday is likely to be very poor, however I will Tweet (@WAsupporter) and update this blog whenever I can.Right, I had better gather my last bits together.
Until next time...!
Saturday 11 February 2012
Almost ready!
Has spent the last few hours packing and making sure I've got everything I could possibly need next week.
I've packed something to cover all medical emergencies and lots of old clothes all wrapped in binliners (I can now hear all those Year 8 Normandy Paris veterans thinking 'nothing changes')! For the first time ever I feel I have not packed enough, I have used the bags I would normally pack for a weekend away! Only time will tell.
I've packed something to cover all medical emergencies and lots of old clothes all wrapped in binliners (I can now hear all those Year 8 Normandy Paris veterans thinking 'nothing changes')! For the first time ever I feel I have not packed enough, I have used the bags I would normally pack for a weekend away! Only time will tell.
Weather in Zambia
As I prepare to begin packing, which will commence a little later, I have been looking at the weather forecast for the capital city, Lusaka.
Looking at the Met Office's predictions it's going to be a climate I've never experienced before.
The great news is that the temperatures are going to range from 25-29 degrees celcius in the capital (a blessing after the Baltic British weather of late), but on the flip side thunder storms are predicted daily along with torrential
rain showers. As you can imagine the humidity is going to be extremely high too!
I'm not complaining though, but it is going to make packing later extremely interesting as (and those who know me well know) I am a bug's equivalent of the finest irresistible chocolate! Therefore, covering up while remaining cool is going to be tough.
Testing the technology:
I'm am writing this post using my phone (as you can probably tell), a test of whether I can update this blog when/if I find a WIFI network becomes available. I have my fingers crossed that a, this will work (as writing this again would be a pain) and b, there will be occasional WIFI access (I'm not holding out too much hope on that one though!)
Right, I'm off to take my first Malaria tablet now!
Looking at the Met Office's predictions it's going to be a climate I've never experienced before.
The great news is that the temperatures are going to range from 25-29 degrees celcius in the capital (a blessing after the Baltic British weather of late), but on the flip side thunder storms are predicted daily along with torrential
rain showers. As you can imagine the humidity is going to be extremely high too!
I'm not complaining though, but it is going to make packing later extremely interesting as (and those who know me well know) I am a bug's equivalent of the finest irresistible chocolate! Therefore, covering up while remaining cool is going to be tough.
Testing the technology:
I'm am writing this post using my phone (as you can probably tell), a test of whether I can update this blog when/if I find a WIFI network becomes available. I have my fingers crossed that a, this will work (as writing this again would be a pain) and b, there will be occasional WIFI access (I'm not holding out too much hope on that one though!)
Right, I'm off to take my first Malaria tablet now!
Thursday 9 February 2012
Scrummy curry!
To raise awareness (and a few pennies) about the trip a special Zambian curry was served up in the South East Water Deli today.
Not having held a culinary event like this in the past to raise money for WaterAid I was unsure how it would be received and whether anyone would fancy trying something a bit different, but it went down a storm!
Two batches were created and within 45 minutes it was sold out!
Serving up the curry in the Deli with Trevor who deserves a special thank you for his culinary skills and being extremely supportive of the idea. Without him, this day would not have been possible.
In the end we raised £23, not a huge amount but it was a great start and has paved the way for future, larger events like this.
It has also been a fantastic way to raise awareness of the visit as I have had a lot of people coming to me asking about the trip, why I’m going and what I am going to see out there.
Hopefully when I return I can keep the momentum up and encourage many of my colleagues to get involved with the charity in the future.
If you would like to try the Tongabazi chicken curry yourself, click here.
Making the news
Since issuing the press release articles about the trip have begun appearing in the local news! Click here to read the This is Kent article.
Wednesday 8 February 2012
The publicity ramps up!
WaterAid have uploaded all details about the trip to a special page on their website.
To view, click here.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
The countdown continues!
With just five days left to go before take-off I have had my last injections and I'm looking to start the course of Malaria tablets in a few days.
With the countdown clock gradually speeding up (or so it seems), there’s only the small matter of packing left for me to do.
Despite the headlines in some national newspapers, I have my fingers crossed that there will be no further snowfall this weekend (living in the countryside saw me snowed in for a day or so at the weekend) and the plane will take off from Heathrow as planned.
This Thursday we are having a Zambia day at South East Water’s head office, which will give staff members the chance to taste a bit of Zambian curry while raising a few essential pounds for WaterAid.
Also, I must embark on one last training run before I head off, but with temperatures refusing to rise above freezing I have been extremely reluctant, I don’t want to slip on any ice (ahem)!
If you would like to give me that extra boost I need to get my trainers and high-vis running vest on, then please sponsor me by clicking here.
With the countdown clock gradually speeding up (or so it seems), there’s only the small matter of packing left for me to do.
Despite the headlines in some national newspapers, I have my fingers crossed that there will be no further snowfall this weekend (living in the countryside saw me snowed in for a day or so at the weekend) and the plane will take off from Heathrow as planned.
This Thursday we are having a Zambia day at South East Water’s head office, which will give staff members the chance to taste a bit of Zambian curry while raising a few essential pounds for WaterAid.
Also, I must embark on one last training run before I head off, but with temperatures refusing to rise above freezing I have been extremely reluctant, I don’t want to slip on any ice (ahem)!
If you would like to give me that extra boost I need to get my trainers and high-vis running vest on, then please sponsor me by clicking here.
Sunday 5 February 2012
The itinerary
As you can see from the itinerary below, the trip is not only going to be physically exhausting, but looks to be as emotionally and mentally draining as I had expected.
I can only imagine the sights I am going to see.
Day 1 – Monday 13th February 2012
Land at Lusaka Airport during the morning and visit the WaterAid in Zambia office for a briefing. After lunch we will make the three hour trip in 4x4 vehicles to the Monze region where we will check into the hotel (our home for five nights) where we will have further introductions.
Day 2 – Tuesday 14th February 2012
We will depart our hotel at 4.30am and travel to Haboombe village in the Moomba ward to spend a day with the villagers there. This village has not yet had WaterAid’s help and we will go with the women and children to the nearby stream where they collect their water for the day. We will see how the lack of sanitation and clean water affects their daily lives.
Day 3 – Wednesday 15th February 2012
After another early start we will arrive at Mavwali village in the Chipembele ward, this village will be a huge contrast to the one we visited the day before as it has received WaterAid’s help. We will also visit Chiyoobola School to see how the charity’s help has made a difference to the pupils.
Day 4 – Thursday 16th February 2012
During the morning we will head to Batoka, a peri-urban settlement which has its own water utility. Here, we will visit their Water Treatment Works which will be extremely interesting to see and compare to our treatment process in the UK.
In the afternoon we will travel to Silimi, a rural village which is currently being helped by WaterAid. Here, we will help build the village’s latrines and meet some of the villagers.
Day 5 – Friday 17th February 2012
We will visit the urban settlement of Chisekesi and see how the solar powered water supply works and how WaterAid’s work in the area has changed lives.
Day 6 – Saturday 18th February 2012
During the morning we will travel back to the country’s capital Lusaka and check in to our new hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the high density slum, Ngombe, which is yet to receive WaterAid’s help. Here, we will find out about the difficulties a large scale settlement like this brings.
Day 7 – Sunday 19th February 2012
Our final day will be spent de-briefing and collecting our thoughts and ideas before heading back home.
Day 8 – Monday 20th February 2012
We will leave our hotel at 4am and begin the journey home, arriving at Heathrow Monday evening.
Day 9 – Tuesday 21st February 2012
Back to work and the beginning of the next challenge, finding a way to put into words everything I have experienced and witnessed as well as encouraging support for the charity.
Click here for further information about WaterAid in Zambia.
I can only imagine the sights I am going to see.
Day 1 – Monday 13th February 2012
Land at Lusaka Airport during the morning and visit the WaterAid in Zambia office for a briefing. After lunch we will make the three hour trip in 4x4 vehicles to the Monze region where we will check into the hotel (our home for five nights) where we will have further introductions.
Day 2 – Tuesday 14th February 2012
We will depart our hotel at 4.30am and travel to Haboombe village in the Moomba ward to spend a day with the villagers there. This village has not yet had WaterAid’s help and we will go with the women and children to the nearby stream where they collect their water for the day. We will see how the lack of sanitation and clean water affects their daily lives.
Day 3 – Wednesday 15th February 2012
After another early start we will arrive at Mavwali village in the Chipembele ward, this village will be a huge contrast to the one we visited the day before as it has received WaterAid’s help. We will also visit Chiyoobola School to see how the charity’s help has made a difference to the pupils.
Day 4 – Thursday 16th February 2012
During the morning we will head to Batoka, a peri-urban settlement which has its own water utility. Here, we will visit their Water Treatment Works which will be extremely interesting to see and compare to our treatment process in the UK.
In the afternoon we will travel to Silimi, a rural village which is currently being helped by WaterAid. Here, we will help build the village’s latrines and meet some of the villagers.
Day 5 – Friday 17th February 2012
We will visit the urban settlement of Chisekesi and see how the solar powered water supply works and how WaterAid’s work in the area has changed lives.
Day 6 – Saturday 18th February 2012
During the morning we will travel back to the country’s capital Lusaka and check in to our new hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the high density slum, Ngombe, which is yet to receive WaterAid’s help. Here, we will find out about the difficulties a large scale settlement like this brings.
Day 7 – Sunday 19th February 2012
Our final day will be spent de-briefing and collecting our thoughts and ideas before heading back home.
Day 8 – Monday 20th February 2012
We will leave our hotel at 4am and begin the journey home, arriving at Heathrow Monday evening.
Day 9 – Tuesday 21st February 2012
Back to work and the beginning of the next challenge, finding a way to put into words everything I have experienced and witnessed as well as encouraging support for the charity.
Click here for further information about WaterAid in Zambia.
The countdown continues...
In exactly seven days time I will be en route to Heathrow for the start of this adventure.
With the snowfall that’s just engulfed the UK, Zambia seems as far away as it did in November when I found out I had been selected to make the trip.
We have also been sent the itinerary for the visit, which at the same time has also made it all seem very real.
It’s going to be an extremely intense week where we will visit both rural villages and high density urban slums which have no water or sanitation, WaterAid projects which are under construction and villages which have had WaterAid’s help.
I hope this will give me a big insight into the work the charity undertakes and the difference it can make to the lives of those who live in these villages or urban areas.
Tomorrow I have my last round of jabs and then later in the week the packing begins!
Time is ticking very fast indeed!
www.wateraid.org
With the snowfall that’s just engulfed the UK, Zambia seems as far away as it did in November when I found out I had been selected to make the trip.
We have also been sent the itinerary for the visit, which at the same time has also made it all seem very real.
It’s going to be an extremely intense week where we will visit both rural villages and high density urban slums which have no water or sanitation, WaterAid projects which are under construction and villages which have had WaterAid’s help.
I hope this will give me a big insight into the work the charity undertakes and the difference it can make to the lives of those who live in these villages or urban areas.
Tomorrow I have my last round of jabs and then later in the week the packing begins!
Time is ticking very fast indeed!
www.wateraid.org
Interesting article
There was an interesting article in the Guardian yesterday regarding WaterAid and Liberia.
It's worth a read.
Click here.
It's worth a read.
Click here.
Friday 3 February 2012
Press released!
Today the press release about my trip to Zambia was released to the world! It's getting close!
Water worker visits Zambia to see aid work
From clean, safe tap water to buckets and dirty wells, a Communications Officer from Kent is swapping the comforts of Kent to travel to Zambia to see how international charity WaterAid transforms lives of those less fortunate than ourselves bringing safe water and sanitation to communities in the country.
Jo Shippey, a Communications Officer for South East Water, has been chosen to represent the Company on the week-long trip (12th February 2012 to 20th February 2012) along with fundraisers from eleven other water companies. Jo will meet with communities to find out what life is like without safe water and sanitation and visit WaterAid projects in both urban slums and rural villages to see how the money raised by South East Water employees is making a difference.
Zambia has a population of about 13 million. Diseases are common throughout the country due to contaminated drinking water sources and poor sanitation. WaterAid estimates that only 60% of people have access to water and 49% have sanitation. 10,000 children under five die every year from diarrhea.
Dimitria Lubinga collecting water from an unsafe open well that is 20 minutes walk from her house, Habeenzu village, Zambia. (WaterAid/Anna Kari)
As part of the trip, Jo will spend a day with a local family living without clean water and sanitation, learning first-hand how they survive, and asking them about their daily water and sanitation challenges. Other visits will include meeting children in local schools, sitting in on hygiene education sessions, helping to carry water, and some construction work.
The 29-year-old from Canterbury said: “It’s easy to take clean water for granted when it comes at the turn of a tap, but 884 million people do not have this basic necessity. They have no choice but to drink dirty water that may make them sick or even fatally ill.
“This trip is a chance for me to see for myself the work that WaterAid is doing to change this, it is going to an extremely emotional and life changing experience.
“On my return I hope to use my experiences to inspire even more people at South East Water, and the wider community, to get involved and raise funds for this vital cause.”
WaterAid’s Development Manager, Nikki Skipper, said: “The money raised by South East Water fundraisers like Jo helps WaterAid change the lives of some of the world’s poorest people, bringing safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. This is a great opportunity for her to see first-hand how their hard work and generosity has made a real difference to communities in Zambia.
Since Jo found out she was fortunate to be chosen to go on the visit she has been keeping a blog recording her thoughts and feelings. Technology allowing, she also hopes to update the blog while she is away so readers can keep up-to-date with her daily experiences. To read her blog log onto: www.watersupporter.blogspot.com
On the 1st April 2012, Jo will be running The Paddock Wood Half Marathon for the charity, if you would like to sponsor her log onto: www.virginmoneygiving.com/JoannaShippey
Water worker visits Zambia to see aid work
From clean, safe tap water to buckets and dirty wells, a Communications Officer from Kent is swapping the comforts of Kent to travel to Zambia to see how international charity WaterAid transforms lives of those less fortunate than ourselves bringing safe water and sanitation to communities in the country.
Jo Shippey, a Communications Officer for South East Water, has been chosen to represent the Company on the week-long trip (12th February 2012 to 20th February 2012) along with fundraisers from eleven other water companies. Jo will meet with communities to find out what life is like without safe water and sanitation and visit WaterAid projects in both urban slums and rural villages to see how the money raised by South East Water employees is making a difference.
Zambia has a population of about 13 million. Diseases are common throughout the country due to contaminated drinking water sources and poor sanitation. WaterAid estimates that only 60% of people have access to water and 49% have sanitation. 10,000 children under five die every year from diarrhea.
Dimitria Lubinga collecting water from an unsafe open well that is 20 minutes walk from her house, Habeenzu village, Zambia. (WaterAid/Anna Kari)
As part of the trip, Jo will spend a day with a local family living without clean water and sanitation, learning first-hand how they survive, and asking them about their daily water and sanitation challenges. Other visits will include meeting children in local schools, sitting in on hygiene education sessions, helping to carry water, and some construction work.
The 29-year-old from Canterbury said: “It’s easy to take clean water for granted when it comes at the turn of a tap, but 884 million people do not have this basic necessity. They have no choice but to drink dirty water that may make them sick or even fatally ill.
“This trip is a chance for me to see for myself the work that WaterAid is doing to change this, it is going to an extremely emotional and life changing experience.
“On my return I hope to use my experiences to inspire even more people at South East Water, and the wider community, to get involved and raise funds for this vital cause.”
WaterAid’s Development Manager, Nikki Skipper, said: “The money raised by South East Water fundraisers like Jo helps WaterAid change the lives of some of the world’s poorest people, bringing safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. This is a great opportunity for her to see first-hand how their hard work and generosity has made a real difference to communities in Zambia.
Since Jo found out she was fortunate to be chosen to go on the visit she has been keeping a blog recording her thoughts and feelings. Technology allowing, she also hopes to update the blog while she is away so readers can keep up-to-date with her daily experiences. To read her blog log onto: www.watersupporter.blogspot.com
On the 1st April 2012, Jo will be running The Paddock Wood Half Marathon for the charity, if you would like to sponsor her log onto: www.virginmoneygiving.com/JoannaShippey
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