Project 1 - Namballa:

12 000 gallon Rain Catchment System and Slow Sand Filter

When:

February 2006

Tank Material:

Local burnt brick

Project Duration:

17 days

Recipients:

Farming Community

Project Results:

Potable Water - click here to see test results

Namballa, Tanzania is a community filled with extremely innovative and creative people. But when you traveled through the village, every cell of your body inevitably asked: "Wapi Maji? Where is the water?" When we were taken to the ground water sources, we were always left surprised at how small the source was and how dirty. We had the ground water tested by a laboratory in Arusha. The water was loaded with fecal matter and disease. We knew that less than 50% of the community was boiling the water before drinking it. It became very clear that many more than expected were struggling with intestinal problems.

We worked with a crew of 25 locals - masons, laborers, translators, even a local engineer. We were always pleasantly surprised by the genius we were surrounded by. There were undoubtedly days, in the beginning when we scratched our heads and wondered how we were ever going to complete this job without things like a backhoe or electrical tools. Solutions always came and we learned as much as we taught. Today, this system is supplying clean water to a couple of hundred people. The women and children of these farming families are no longer at risk walking to the remote and  polluted stream. With little money and time and the presence of a clean water supply, the lives of this community has drastically changed.

Experts from emails home:

Blown away by the innovation that comes with having fewer alternatives. Our tanks site had a tree in the middle of it and was rooted in some of the hardest, driest soil. Without a backhoe, we assumed it would take weeks to level the three feet of uneven soil and remove the tree. A skinny teenage boy asked if he could have the job. We looked at him in disbelief. He said he would have it done in three days and wanted to be paid $9.00. We agreed. In flip flops and a home made pick axe, this boy leveled the land and removed the tree. When he was done, we had to pick our jaws up off the water deprived soil. Not only had he leveled the land and removed the tree, he had separated all the small rocks and large rocks that would later be used in the foundation. The job was impeccable. It was a true testament of perseverance and will. ~ 2.7.06

Today, I was again reminded that everything and anything is possible. We purchased a 10mm metal sheet that was 4' x 8' in size. We also purchased clippers to cut the sheet into strips to use as a mold for the foundation of the tank. The clippers broke. Within seconds, we turned around and found 4 guys working around the metal sheet. They had laid it on the ground and three of them each stood on a corner. Atanas, one of the masons, had a hand made machete and mallet. He began to pound the machete into the metal and within 15 minutes, he had cut perfectly straight 18 inch pieces metal for the mold. We knew from that moment on that there weren't going to be any obstacles that could not be overcome. ~ 2.10.06

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