Conclusion of Mabumba Primary School Water Project – Zambia

This project has been completed under the direction of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Emily McKeone and Water for Zambia.

To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

We would like to thank Emily and Water for Zambia once again for executing so many fine projects.

Here is the conclusion summary from Emily for Mabumba Primary School:

The project aimed to relieve the water crisis that Mabumba Primary School was facing. There was an old play pump structure at the school that had not worked since 2009.  After demolition and removing the piping of this structure, a new, improved hand pump well was installed. Then, a soakaway apron and soak pit was dug to catch any runoff.

The primary result of the project is improved access to clean water and improved health. The borehole will provide access to clean, safe drinking water for 1,212 people daily, for an expected lifetime of 50 years. As a result of this clean drinking water source, communities will experience improved health and sanitation. School attendance for teachers and pupils will improve, resulting in a better quality education for all.

Other community impacts could include improved food security, as the school will be able to create small gardens and orchards. This new water source will allow easy watering of plants and improved knowledge of gardening for students, as well as a convenient food source.

These overall project impacts include, but are not limited to: improved health and sanitation, improved school attendance and education experience, increased knowledge of gardening and agriculture, food security, and community development.

Remarks from Mabumba Primary School by the headteacher, Muonga Dickson:

“We as Mabumba Primary School are very grateful for the support and timely intervention Water Charity with the Water for Zambia project gave to our school.  In the past, we had faced numerous challenges among them maintaining sanitation to the expected standards, and access to safe drinking water to name just a few.

At some point in time last year, our school even faced threats of closure from experts in the Ministry of Health because we have no reliable water source.  But since the time Water for Zambia and Water Charity came to our institution and helped us with the hand pump borehole, all our water problems are now a thing of the past and the school, including the whole community, is delighted with this development. We as a school further wish to extend our gratitude to Madam Emily McKeone for her tireless efforts in ensuring that the project executes its duties with no financial difficulties.”