Progress in the
Zambia Project
September 10, 2001
September 10, 2001
I thought I'd bring you up to date on a number of matters regarding our
working in Zambia.
Hello again Vic,
I managed to contact Kambani last night. The problem is
that there was a power surge (again!) in Lusaka, and it knocked out his
computer monitor and mouse, plus his fax machine, fridge, and TV. What a
struggle for those people living in these areas.
About the medicines, he is in contact with a qualified
(0verseas) chemist who used to attend WWC. His name is Mervyn Shakalima, and I
knew him years ago. He is going to assist Kambani with the selection of
medicines. I have stressed that you are keen to get this going. He returned
from Mumbwa, where about 40% of the members were ill, with malaria the main
problem, but also tummy upsets. One lady, recently married, lost her baby.
Heifer project: Would you believe that foot and mouth
disease has broken out in the area! That means we will have to investigate
what actions we take about providing heifers carefully. Kambani is aware of
this, and will proceed only when the coast is clear. So not only the UK is
suffering from this terrible disease. He is keen to tackle the project
himself.
Arrangements for the Feast seem to be fine. The shorter
road to Mumbwa has been graded, and it cut about two and one half hours off
his travel time. He feels with a better vehicle (than the Peugot), you can
make the trip in two and one half hours. That will be a great blessing.
Arrangements for a driver, accommodation in Lusaka, etc. are in place. Even in
Mumbwa there is now a new hut with a double bed! And a little visiting area
next to the bedroom. So progress is being made.
You and Bev will be here soon now.
Fond regards,
Andre.
Hello Vic,
I trust that you and Bev are keeping fit and well.
I spoke with Kambani last night, and he gave me some
disturbing news about our project with the Heifer Foundation. But you need to
keep in mind that we are dealing with African thinking and approach.
As you are aware Kwacha had promied that the training of our members would
commence in July, or the latest August. He has now informed Kambani that the
training will only commence next year April! That's not the end of the story.
He also informed Kambani that the costs will increase from $6000 to
$10000. Kambani feels that this is excessive to the extreme, as he can obtain
good quality heifers from $100 to $150 each. Incidentally, Kambani himself is
well versed with cattle in Zambia. A few years back he started with 5, and now
has a herd of 36. He says he is well versed with methods of tick control, and
the prevention of other diseases.
He mentioned that the training is important, and suggested we should possibly
look into another avenue, such as the local Department of Agriculture (Mr.
Kamaloni). They have training officers who assist small farmers.I bet that
Kambani would not do a bad job himself. Maybe we can pay him a small amount
(he will probably refuse) to undertake the purchase of the heifers, and
training of the members.
You can see why so few international companies want to do business with
African countries. Maybe the Eternal is showing us something Victor, but I am
not sure. I need your guidance. We will get the project done, that's for sure,
but will have to see how best to go about it.
All the best,
Andre.
Meds
Malaria
Lists from Kambani
July 12, 2001
Report from Andre van Belkum are that the training process for the residents
of two settlements in the Mumbwa region of Zambia have now begun. Cattle
is scheduled to be delivered in October.
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When we visited the
Mumbwa area on July 2, 2000, one family was able to rent a team of oxen
that they were using for plowing.
This is the type of cattle we want to provide for this area.
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We want to give special thanks to Carl Hoffman, Vern Hargrove, Sonali Fiske,
the Elkhart and Hammond, Indiana United Churches of God who have provided
financial support and encouragement to make this project a reality. We
will be posting more reports as they come.
My wife Beverly and I plan to visit Zambia in late September and see the
progress first-hand and talk to the Heifer Foundation office in Lusaka which is
providing the training program and cattle.
YOU CAN HELP our helping these people in this new ongoing
ZAMBIAN PROJECT. Tax-deductible contributions cam be made
to
LifeNets
P.O. Box 88165
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
You can see more information about our African Trip by clicking on these
links
Other links of interest
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