12 DESEMBER 2014
NUUS
Helping rural communities improve access to water Christmas came early for the community of Kgautswane and surrounding villages. They were donated more than 200 water tanks and hippo rollers with the aim to alleviate the daily struggle of carrying water on their heads. The project is internationally recognised and is linked to Nelson Mandela who during his tenure wholly supported it. He once appealed all organisations to support the project as it positively changing the lives of millions of South Africans. According to Grant Gibbs who is the executive director of the project, they mostly help women and children as they are the ones who endure the burden of transporting water. “The Hippo Roller enable them to transport more water, more easily and in less time from water points that are often located far from their homes. We achieved this by partnering with like –minded organisations and individuals who feel compelled to share their wealth with poorer communities” he said. Women, children and elderly people are mostly the ones forced to fetch and carry water to their homes. Water points are often about 1 - 10 km away. It is time consuming to collect water requiring multiple trips. Water is heavy and carrying water on the head can cause neck and spinal injuries.
The Water Roller is the solution to these as it allows a person to collect 5 times more water than a single bucket by simply rolling it along the ground (pulling or pushing it). The Hippo Water Roller is effective in the following; Carries 90 litres of water; Last longer (5 to 7 years); Durable-designed to use in tough terrains; Weight of water is borne on the ground and distributed over a wide rolling surface; The wide rolling surface helps compact soil to minimise erosion unlike narrow wheelbarrows; Improves hygiene and health; Empower women and children; More time to attending school for better education. The 202 water rollers and tanks were distributed through the Kgautswane Thusong Service Centre and received by Clara Masinga who is the centre manager and founder of the centre. She encouraged the community to look after the water tankers and not misuse them. (Article and photographs: Doc Marebane)
Eastern Limb Mines & Sekhukhune District Executive Mayor’s Race
Keeping athletes hydrated Twickenham Platinum Mine hosted a waterpoint during the Eastern Limb Mines & Sekhukhune District Executive Mayor’s Race on 6 December 2014. The team provided athletes with ice cold water saches and energy drinks. Twickenham Platinum believes in Zero Harm and promotes the well-being of their employees and communities - that is why an event such as this race receives whole hearted support from the Mine.
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