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WATER CHAMPIONS

Part of the running Mukono project in Uganda involves the construction and promotion of biosand filters.


Biosand filters

A biosand filter (BSF) is an adaptation of the traditional slow sand filter, which has been used for community drinking water treatment for over 200 years.
The biosand filter is smaller and adjusted so that it does not flow continuously, making it suitable for use in people’s homes. The filter removes pathogens and suspended solids from water through a combination of biological and physical processes. Due to their effectiveness, ease of use, and lack of recurring costs, biosand filters are often considered appropriate technology in developmental countries.

 

In Mukono all materials have been delivered; and construction has been started!

 

Water champions
The biosand filter masons of KWDT, also known as the ‘water champions’, construct and promote the use of biosand water filters during KWDT meetings. Due to their promotional talks a total of 12 members have already ordered a biosand filter, which will be delivered for installation soon. The water champions also visited the beneficiary schools to learn the children how to use the filter and to explain them how they actually work.

 

 

Sharing of knowledge
The use of biosand water filters not only increases access to safe drinking water in households and schools, but also increases the respect the women (masons) receive from the community. The water champions inspired others to visit them and learn about how to use the biosand water filters, to be able to transfer and replicate the technology in their own communities. ‘Water champions’ Betty, Resty and Gertrude even trained two people from Kabale Technical College in construction and use of the biosand water filters.

 

Photos by © Linelle Deunk, courtesy MARIE-STELLA-MARIS Foundation / GUP
 

Project partners: Women for Water Partnership | Katosi Women Develeopment Trust.

Author: Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation - October 19 2014, 7:59