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12 July 2019Chazanga Water Trust emerged as champions of the 2019 ZAWAFE Operator Skills Challenge
A happy moment: challengers, judges and organisers at the end of the skills challenge
Pit Latrine Emptiers to the Forefront
Lusaka Water & Sanitation Company Limited - Chazanga Water Trust emerged as winners of the 2019 ZAWAFE Operator Skills Challenge - Pit Latrine Emptying contest during the 8th Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE) held in June at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The second and third prizes went to Southern and Chambeshi Water & Sanitation Companies, respectively.
Instilling recognition, motivation and empowerment among competitors in the Pit Latrine Emptying challenge helped to raise awareness of safe, effective and efficient faecal sludge management (FSM) practices.
The champions earned themselves an international exchange visit to learn more about faecal sludge management in Africa. The exchange visit will involve networking, knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer within the pit latrine emptying profession. The second and third prize winners will participate in a peer-to-peer learning event in Zambia.
Voices of Skills Challenge Participants
“My experience in the skills challenge competition was fun and interesting, especially that we were only two ladies, which made it even more interesting. I'm glad that I was able to compete with men, and that my partner and I scooped the third position. I would like to urge my fellow women out there to join this profession because there's nothing like a man's job, every job is important as long as it brings food to the table."
– Mutale Mukuka, Chambishi Water & Sanitation Company
“Looking forward to seeing more women in this field. The Challenge has been an eye opener on how to improve on our work. Congratulations to my team for being the champions.”
– Kanyanga Kanyanga, Lusaka Water & Sanitation Company
“The Challenge was fair and I look forward to another competition soon. It was interesting that I had to compete with men.”
– Mwewa Ntalasha, Luapula Water & Sanitation Company
“Congratulations to the winning team! So many lessons learnt on the mistakes we make, will improve on them when we go back.”
– Joel Kapasa, Eastern Water & Sanitation Company
“For the future we should have the first and second round playoffs before going to the finals. Otherwise a good initiative.”
– Lawrence Kaumba, North western Water & Sanitation Companies
Challengers receiving certificates of participation from Dr. Dennis Wanchinga, Minister of Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection
The challenge exceeded our expectations and showcased a wide range of skills plus the determination and integrity of the valuable men and women serving their communities. It also demonstrated to the highest level the need for training and skills development for those who are involved in this work.
Adrian Hodgson explaining the objective of the challenge to Dr. Dennis Wanchinga (Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection) and his entourage
Emptying a mock pit latrine by one of the teams that took part in the operator skills challenge
Judges taking notes during the pit latrine emptying challenge: Mr. Moffat Tembo from SNV Zambia and Ms. Chola Mbilima from the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO)
Instilling recognition, motivation and empowerment among competitors in the Pit Latrine Emptying challenge helped to raise awareness of safe, effective and efficient faecal sludge Management (FSM) practices