Friday 26th July: Nigel delivered Leakage Detection training which was very well received. This involved a practical session outside with a electronic listening stick and ground microphone. The participants were very interested and involved in the training. They went away from the leakage detection training with a clear view of what they need to do to improve leakage.
Saturday 27th July: Anna delivered water quality training and stressed the importance of adding chlorine to the water supply. Anna delivered a practical session on using a Comparitor to show how easy it is to detect chlorine within the water supply. At the end of the session the three Yorkshire Engineers and Hannah from Water Aid were given a gift from the participants of some Bishoftu clothing, Some interesting pictures to follow!
Sunday 28th July: We have moved from Bishoftu and back to Addis today. At Addis we have visited a bio gas cafe which is supported by Water Aid. The bio gas cafe allows people to use their toilets and showers for a very small fee and the waste that is then produced is used to run the kitchen which makes and sells coffee! A great way to make the most of the situation.
Monday 29th July: We will take a trip to the WaterAid office for a final evaluation and to develop an action plan for the future.
Monday 29 June 2015
Friday 26 June 2015
Ethiopia 2015: Diary #3 from Yorkshire Water's volunteers
Joel has completed his day of training on Asset Management which has been very successful.
There were 26 attendees (including from the Ministry of water and irrigation and the regional offices) from 20 different towns throughout Ethiopia and 6 Wateraid Ethiopia staff.
All attendees were very engaged and a lot of networking took place. A number of questions were raised and they are definitely wanting to move forward, improve assets and have a much improved way of data management.
An opening comment from one of the attendees was 'we want to move forward by choice not by chance' which assured us we are in the correct area covering the correct problems.
There were 26 attendees (including from the Ministry of water and irrigation and the regional offices) from 20 different towns throughout Ethiopia and 6 Wateraid Ethiopia staff.
All attendees were very engaged and a lot of networking took place. A number of questions were raised and they are definitely wanting to move forward, improve assets and have a much improved way of data management.
An opening comment from one of the attendees was 'we want to move forward by choice not by chance' which assured us we are in the correct area covering the correct problems.
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| Frehiwot, 10, walks over half hour and crosses a river to get water she knows to be unclean, yet the only source of drinkable water her community has |
Ethiopia 2015: Diary #2 from Yorkshire Water's volunteers
Another productive day in Ethiopia! We started the day with a tour of the landfill sites in Bishoftu enabling us to see what challenges they face in regards to dealing with their waste issues.
On the visit we were able to see the grand scale of the problem but also the plans they have in place that should reduce this problem over time.
It was also another positive day on the Leakage Detection process as we were able to locate and pin point a burst main. Following on from this we were able to arrange for the repair to be carried out. Whilst on the site of the burst main it gave us the chance to show how leak detection equipment (Ground Microphone) can help identify where the area of focus needs to be in terms of pin pointing a burst main.
We have big plans for the next 3 days as we will be issuing training to 20 Water Utilities Managers on Asset Management, Leakage Detection and Water Quality.
Tomorrow will be Joel kicking off with Asset Management, We’ll let you know how it goes!!
On the visit we were able to see the grand scale of the problem but also the plans they have in place that should reduce this problem over time.
It was also another positive day on the Leakage Detection process as we were able to locate and pin point a burst main. Following on from this we were able to arrange for the repair to be carried out. Whilst on the site of the burst main it gave us the chance to show how leak detection equipment (Ground Microphone) can help identify where the area of focus needs to be in terms of pin pointing a burst main.
We have big plans for the next 3 days as we will be issuing training to 20 Water Utilities Managers on Asset Management, Leakage Detection and Water Quality.
Tomorrow will be Joel kicking off with Asset Management, We’ll let you know how it goes!!
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| A typical landfill site in Bishoftu |
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| Nigel, ourt leakeage technician, demonstrating how to detect leaks |
Ethiopia 2015: Diary #1 from Yorkshire Water's volunteers
We are here on our second day and starting to get stuck in and have more of an understanding of the challenges facing Bishoftu Water Utilities.
We attended a meeting with Bishoftu Water utilities to discuss issues which they currently face and the plan for the rest of 2015. We then visited a number of sites to get an increased idea of the issues on individual sites.
Nigel, a leakage technician, has seen that leakage is an issue with 40% of water produced lost through various ways, but mainly leaking from mains. Leaks are unable to be detected until water shows through the ground which could take weeks or months.
Joel, a Field Technician, is going to be working alongside Bishoftu Utilities on how to manage the network in a more efficient way and suggest improvements in network management which will benefit the company.
Anna, a Water Quality Scientist, will be making suggestions on how to improve water quality in a variety of ways. She has seen that there are a number of small changes which can make a huge difference in the future.
In Bishoftu the production capacity is 12,000 m3/d with an ever increasing population. This is also based on an assumption of 40 litres per person per day but recent evaluation has suggested this is nearer 80 litres!
Ethiopia has increased its water supply coverage from 19% to 52% and although sanitation has improved by 24% the coverage is significantly less than that of the clean water network. After meeting many Ethiopians and being treat like royalty over the last few days it seems such a shame that so many of these people are suffering in ways we could only imagine from Yorkshire.
We have seen that Bishoftu have got big plans for the near future and we cant wait to help support them where we can.
We attended a meeting with Bishoftu Water utilities to discuss issues which they currently face and the plan for the rest of 2015. We then visited a number of sites to get an increased idea of the issues on individual sites.
Nigel, a leakage technician, has seen that leakage is an issue with 40% of water produced lost through various ways, but mainly leaking from mains. Leaks are unable to be detected until water shows through the ground which could take weeks or months.
Joel, a Field Technician, is going to be working alongside Bishoftu Utilities on how to manage the network in a more efficient way and suggest improvements in network management which will benefit the company.
Anna, a Water Quality Scientist, will be making suggestions on how to improve water quality in a variety of ways. She has seen that there are a number of small changes which can make a huge difference in the future.
In Bishoftu the production capacity is 12,000 m3/d with an ever increasing population. This is also based on an assumption of 40 litres per person per day but recent evaluation has suggested this is nearer 80 litres!
Ethiopia has increased its water supply coverage from 19% to 52% and although sanitation has improved by 24% the coverage is significantly less than that of the clean water network. After meeting many Ethiopians and being treat like royalty over the last few days it seems such a shame that so many of these people are suffering in ways we could only imagine from Yorkshire.
We have seen that Bishoftu have got big plans for the near future and we cant wait to help support them where we can.
 |
| The Yorkshire Water staff out in Ethiopia. (From left to right): Joel Tidswell, Field Technician; Anna Warrington, Water Quality Scientist; Nigel Riley, Leakage Inspector |
Thursday 16 October 2014
Top accolade for WaterAid volunteer
Erica Lack who lives in Sheffield was presented with WaterAid’s Speaker of the Year award at the charity’s Annual Supporter’s Meeting on October 10 by Tim Clark, WaterAid chair of trustees.
Erica was nominated for the award for always going that extra mile, supporting Yorkshire Water’s WaterAid committee, the Sheffield Local Group and volunteering to attend meetings to talk about the work of WaterAid despite her busy day job.
“Whatever she turns her hand to, her passion and inspiration shines through. She is inclusive, supporting and always encouraging others to get involved, and everything she does is to a very high standard,” says her nomination.
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| Erica (right) with Rebecca Dallinson, WaterAid's speaker co-orindator |
Since getting involved with the charity six years ago Erica has helped to organise a range of events that include fishing competitions, corporate balls, quizzes, art events, dances, talks and much more!
On receiving the award she said: “My nomination for this award was a surprise, as I know I am just one of many dedicated WaterAid volunteers.
“I am very flattered to be given this award and it is lovely recognition for the small part I have played in some wonderful events which have raised much needed funds for a life changing charity”.
Yorkshire Water’s CEO Richard Flint said: “This award is testament to the hard work and determination that Erica has put in over the years.
“It embeds what we do as a company, working with a great charity like WaterAid to give people around the world access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
“It was a triple celebration that evening as former employee and volunteer speaker for WaterAid Meryl Knapp from Leeds received the same award as Erica and David McGlinchey also from Leeds picked up the President’s Award, WaterAid’s highest accolade. A huge accomplishment.”
Dave Hillyard, WaterAid's Head of Major Partnerships said: "Erica goes the extra mile for WaterAid, being active on the Yorkshire Water Committee, Sheffield Local Group and Speakers Network even though she has a very busy day job.
“Whether it is speaking at a WI meeting, playing 'poopla' with a scout group, or running a pub quiz, Erica’s passion and inspiration to see a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water and safe toilets, shines through. She is always encouraging others to get involved too, ensuring whatever is being delivered is done to the highest standard."
Royal seal of approval for WaterAid volunteer
David McGlinchey, of Yeadon, Leeds, is one of three dedicated supporters to be awarded WaterAid’s highest honour, The President’s Award. He was presented with a certificate personally signed by WaterAid’s president HRH The Prince of Wales, at the charity’s Annual Supporters Meeting on October 10.
“I feel privileged and honoured and am really proud of the great team of volunteers that support me,” said David.
“I am really excited that we have made a difference at Glastonbury with the Loos Brothers helping raise awareness, and hopefully bringing a smile. The amazing thing about the people that WaterAid help is their strength, their ability to survive, but most important their ability to smile and celebrate what they have.
“My dream, which I genuinely hold, is that by 2030 everyone will have a tap and everywhere will have a toilet and I would encourage everyone to join us in achieving that aim.”
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| David and his wife Fiona |
Since he took over the role in 2009 the committee has raised £1.2 million to date.
Yorkshire Water’s CEO Richard Flint said: “This award is testament to the hard work and determination that David has put in over the last two decades.
“It embeds what we do as a company, working with a great charity like WaterAid to give people around the world access to safe water, anitation and hygiene.
“And as well as David receiving this royal seal of approval it was a real achievement having former employee Meryl Knapp pick up the Speaker of the Year award. The award acknowledges volunteers that go above and beyond, so another huge accomplishment.”
Meryl who lives in Leeds has been a dedicated supporter of WaterAid for a long time, and is desperately passionate about getting new people engaged, her nomination says.
“Meryl is courageous and is always up for a new challenge, whether it be petitioning in her local area, or delivering a workshop to a scout group.”
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| Meryl with Rebecca Dallinsion, WaterAid's speaker co-orindator |
Barbara Frost, Chief Executive of WaterAid said: “David’s total commitment to and enthusiasm for WaterAid’s work is an inspiration to many. He’s been a dedicated WaterAid supporter for more than 20 years. David is a member of our speaker network, he’s a campaigner, fundraiser, and most famously WaterAid songwriter and dedicated Glastonbury Loos Brother!
“In 2013 he was instrumental in developing a new five-year partnership with WaterAid Ethiopia, pledging to raise £1 million and linking up water sector professionals in Yorkshire and Ethiopia to build capacity in partners and communities. I am delighted to recognise his dedication with the President’s Award."
Friday 3 October 2014
TAPS BEAT TOILETS IN CHARITY FOOTBALL CLASH
Almost £2,000 was raised for international charity WaterAid thanks to a 5-aside football tournament in Bradford which included a match between a set of giant taps and toilets.
A total of 22 teams and 159 people competed in the light-hearted charity event for Yorkshire Water colleagues at Bradford Goals, with the four-figure sum raised going to WaterAid.
That money will be enough to give over 100 people that the charity works with in the developing world lasting access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
To celebrate the important work that the charity does on drinking and waste water, a 5-aside match between 10 players dressed in taps and toilets was held. The taps “ran” the show, winning 2-1.
Connor Harper from Yorkshire Water said: “We were delighted with the number of people that got involved in the tournament and the money raised really will make a big difference to a massive number of people.”
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