So, we have done a baseline survey on the household water points in Nchelenge and Chienge districts, analyzed the results and wrote a report to capture the main findings and use it as a basis for the implementation of the Self Supply Program. We have started working on creating an enabling environment for the program: training of artisans, training of masons and identification of local shops and of the material available in the area. We have also started making a draft of the social marketing strategy to influence the behaviour change that needs to happen for Self Supply to work. Now, why are we still behind?
Logistics.
We need equipment to do the water quality monitoring of the water points surveyed in order to have some quantitative data to back up our findings and justify the benefits of having an improved water well. We don't have sufficient material or technical skills in the districts and we are lacking the facilities to do bacteriological tests. Equipment and a lab is available in Mansa (center town in Luapula province) but it takes around five hours to get there. How are we going to collect all the water samples in less than one day in both district and then send them to Mansa so that they can immediately do the bacteriological tests before the bacteria start multiplying? Is it feasible? And now, the equipment cannot be found in Zambia. I have been told that they have to be ordered from a UNICEF provider in India! By the time an order is made and that we get the material up here, it will be the end of August. Which is when I have to leave. Unfortunately. I wished I could extend my contract to be able to analyze the results from the water tests and participate in the learning of the successes and challenges of the implementation of Self Supply. But I am working on a plan to leave my partner organization and Ashley (an EWB long-term volunteer working on Self Supply as well) with all the tools, documents and information necessary to move on with the project in Nchelenge and Chienge districts once I leave.
Logistics.
We need equipment to do the water quality monitoring of the water points surveyed in order to have some quantitative data to back up our findings and justify the benefits of having an improved water well. We don't have sufficient material or technical skills in the districts and we are lacking the facilities to do bacteriological tests. Equipment and a lab is available in Mansa (center town in Luapula province) but it takes around five hours to get there. How are we going to collect all the water samples in less than one day in both district and then send them to Mansa so that they can immediately do the bacteriological tests before the bacteria start multiplying? Is it feasible? And now, the equipment cannot be found in Zambia. I have been told that they have to be ordered from a UNICEF provider in India! By the time an order is made and that we get the material up here, it will be the end of August. Which is when I have to leave. Unfortunately. I wished I could extend my contract to be able to analyze the results from the water tests and participate in the learning of the successes and challenges of the implementation of Self Supply. But I am working on a plan to leave my partner organization and Ashley (an EWB long-term volunteer working on Self Supply as well) with all the tools, documents and information necessary to move on with the project in Nchelenge and Chienge districts once I leave.
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