June 2026 Update
Fundamental Change
In early June our Foreman John Simasiku received word that the Barotse Strong Pump (BSP) in Mulamba Village needed repair. I thought this was a bit strange as was installed last year and it seemed early for a maintenance trip. When John arrived he soon discovered why this pump was needing attention. It is being used. A lot.
Last year we installed a BSP in Mulamba Village. Headman Mr Waluka Walumweya and villagers examine the new pump installed directly in the former watering hole.
Mr Walumweya immediately saw the potential in this new source of water and planted a large garden focusing mainly on tomatoes.
This is what John found in mid June (the middle of the dry season). The BSP has been in nearly constant use since installation. The repair issue was they had worn out the handle. They were using the original design handle. The redesigned handle (as discussed in the March 2026 update) will keep this from recurring.
Mr. Walumweya walking through the tomato garden. Because of the proximity of Malumba Village to the roadway outside marketers are now purchasing tomatoes from the village. A year ago this village struggled to find enough food and water. Now they are selling excess crops. After the national elections in August we will install the remaining BSPs and replace all handles with the new design.
What we are seeing in Malumba Village is occuring wherever we install the BSPs (not all gardens are of the scale of Mr. Walumyewa’s effort). Before the BSP villagers were at the mercy of the rains with no hope to irrigating during the dry season. With a BSP they have not only a source of reliable water but food security. I think back to my first visit to Kalenge Village in June 2019 when the old farmer asked me if I could make it rain.
I want to thank you on behalf of the people of the Matebele and Mulonga Plains for making this happen. They continue to be absolutely amazed that strangers on the other side of the world are doing this. These fundamental changes in lives of thousands people are the direct results of your support.
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