At the end of September 2022, two of our Project Managers visited the Safe Water Project in Lundazi, Zambia.
Our project, located in Zambia’s Eastern Province, recently expanded, and now consists of 106 water pumps across rural communities.
The aim of our trip was to collect feedback and experiences from communities and our local partner, ROCS. We met with all different stakeholders involved in the projects: from local authorities, to water quality laboratories, to community members and water resource committees.
When visiting a community, we use a horizontal approach, showing that we are there to learn from them only, focusing our efforts on understanding the local context to improve the project. That’s why it is important to first pay your respects to the village leader, and ask for permission to hold space with the community members. We were always welcomed with great cheer, welcome songs and warm smiles.
The feedback received from the different users of the boreholes was very positive. Families initially had to walk for over 2 hours on average to fetch water, and they are now investing their time in a number of other useful activities, that have increased their wellbeing.
The relationship that ROCS has with the communities is remarkable, making sure the hygiene practices are in use and giving them the support they need. One of the many reasons why we are proud to work with ROCS is because their strength is community mobilization. In the project, they have built very strong ties with the communities.