Our experience from the project sites in Nepal and India.
Hem K. Pokharel - Tuesday 23 May 2006Dear Network Participants,
I am Hem K. Pokharel, presently working for Solutions Benefiting Life (SBL), USA. We are a small non-profit organization. SBL researches and distributes SBL units in developing countries(Silvered ceramic disk filter). We have distributed 800 units in Nepal and India. People actually buy our system from the local producers. We are interested in research, education and distribution and to promote a small business development in the project sites (run and owned by local people) so that people at their communities can produce and sell the unit using local clubs like women’s organization.
The SBL staffs goes back to every house and collects necessary information to monitor change in their health by using SBL units. We have project managers in Nepal and India. They go back to the community and talk to local people. Doctors and the leaders of the community constantly talk to the local people about the benefits of drinking clean water.
With SBL units we distribute soap, notebook, questionnaires, brush, user manual and health education manual. We believe that all those elements are equally essential. We want to collect as much information as possible and to provide local people with all the information and things necessary to use the SBL Unit.
SBL Unit
1. It is all clay units. It has disk so it could be used with plastics too. Clay unit is ideal for our present site. Clay also keeps cost low.
2. Present cost of production is USD $ 3.57 in both Nepal and India. 800units have already been distributed. Tested both in labs and in houses.
3. Uses colloidal silver. Flow of 4.5 LPH killing all bacteria. Optimum flow rate and residence time was identified after numerous tests at SBL Sudbury MA lab, external labs in Nepal and USA and P/A test in houses.
4. It gives employment to people, promotes local business and no plastic involved, so do not have to depend on big plastic companies. Big companies are rare, expensive and infrequent in developing countries.
5. Every batch of units is tested at Nepal Environment and Scientific Services in Nepal for Membrane filtration test before distributing in field sites.
How is SBL working in the field?
1. SBL systems have already been distributed to all the schools in Thimi. In addition to that our program director for Nepal Mr. Hari Govinda Prajapati (Nepal) and Mr Noor Alum (India) go back to schools and check to see if they are being used properly. They both also conducts P/A tests in schools and houses frequently. Test kits are obtained from ENPHO Nepal.
2. In addition to schools SBL brings local clubs, micro lending organizations, libraries, women’s organizations and the respected people of the community to educate people on the importance of clean drinking water.
3. We do not give away units for free. Free is Free. Our belief is that people do not take care of things properly if they are free. Even the most poorest are willing to Pay some amount for “Ownership”. Presently people are paying 1/6th of the cost. SBL bears the rest. Doing that people will let you know if there is anything wrong. People tend to speak that way. We have upgraded our systems many times based on the feedback from people.
4. We give a great importance to questionnaires (Before) and the health data which is collected after distribution. It helps us monitor the health improvement and how it fits in their family?
5. We go back and communicate frequently with families and schools. More communication is always better. We have volunteers from local community and schools. They help us to collect questionnaires and health data. Mobilizing community is very essential part for SBL. SBL is thankful to schools and responsible people of the communities who have taken this project to their hearts.
Presently our program is limited to two project sites. We want to do more. We are looking for funds to support and expand our program in other places.
Sincerely,
Hem K. Pokharel
Project Manager
Solutions Benefiting Life
490 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
USA
Email: hem@solutionsbenefitinglife.com
Web: www.solutionsbenefitinglife.com