On our way to Mugumu, we stopped by the town of Bunda where we caught up with Charles and Nancy Wiggins, independent Methodist missionaries who teach water hygiene and who have brought a very useful invention to Tanzania.
They call their mission “Maisha ya Maji” or loosely translated “living water” and what they are producing will bring fresh water to thousands of Tanzanians. It’s a filter that can be made with readily available and natural materials-a little copper tubing, concrete, gravel and sand. The cost for the filter runs about $50. U.S., which is far too expensive for most individual households in Tanzania, but very affordable for schools and orphanages and the like.
It stands about 3 ½ feet high, 1 foot square and the walls are 1 inch thick. Without the sand it weighs about 160 lbs. The filter is a completely natural process, using common washed sand that develops bacteria suitable for purifying the water. The bacteria comes from the water itself and develops enough after about 3 weeks to purify the water to 98% which is very drinkable for Tanzanians. Another few drops of bleach and the water is 100% clean.
It is so useful here because water-borne diseases are so common. One is being purchased for Fonelisco and will be delivered shortly.
Our stop in Bunda lasted an hour or so and then we were off to Mugumu. More on the conference next post.
For the Harvest,
Phil
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