Why Zambia?
The average life expectancy in Zambia is 42 years almost the
lowest for any country in the world and one in eight children die before
the age of five. HIV and AIDS is a factor and access to a safe water supply
and a latrine, basic human rights, are especially essential for those
living with HIV/AIDS. Diseased water can be fatal for those with debilitated
immune systems. Yet in rural areas of Zambia only 41% of the population
have access to safe drinking water and only 13% have sanitation (23% in
urban areas).
A friend in Kamaila wrote in June 2010 "Economically, the country has survived the Global economic melt down as evidenced by the reopening of some closed mines copper mines. The Agriculture sector has projected a bumper harvest in the main cereal grain, maize which is estimated at 3million tones this year. However, the biggest challenge of poverty is still haunting many Zambians as official statistics indicate that as many as 80% of Zambia’s 13million people are living on 1 US dollar per day or even less!"
Our work in Zambia
Through its work with the Zambian Institute of
Environmental Health (ZIEH) Water for Kids completed its first project
in Zambia in October 2007. It provided access to clean water for 4,000
people in Kamaila village in Zambia. There are
now banks of taps at Kamaila school and standpipes
within 5 minutes walk of the village houses. Following completion the
villagers are constructing pit latrines. The total cost of the project
was £44,400. Find out how water and sanitation
were provided.
The project has improved the health and
the quality of life of the Kamaila villagers and it should result
in a significant reduction in diseases - especially diarrhoea, dysentery
and cholera.
In 2009 ZIEH completed two WfK projects to provide water in the Chipapa rural area and in Fumbelo, a semi-urban area on the edge of the capital, Lusaka. The former was been funded by an individual who raised the money following the death of his wife.
Water for Kid's second semi-urban project in Zambia is in Madimba, area on the edge of Lusaka. A water kiosk has been built, which will compliment the composting toilets that the community is installing. Over half of this project is being funded by a family charitable trust.
There have been two successful field trips to Zambia in 2007 and 2009. A third is planned for July 2010. Find out more on the WfK Facebook group.
