SHIP is now pioneering some new "next step" technologies that give tools for change to those in need. We are looking to promote or redesign technologies so that they can have a greater use and impact. By developing “next step” technologies and strategies, local Africans can take smaller more appropriate steps towards sustainable development. We believe that using this method of training will allow potentially thousands of Zambians to be directly exposed to trainings, innovations and technologies that are, in most cases, available in Africa, but have not been used on the local level. This will establish long term sustainability and allow for potential multiplicity of the projects in other communities. Four such tools are drilling rigs, plastic sand-filters, the hydraulic driven Awassa hand pumps, and compressed earth block machines. We are very excited by the chance to make some of these lifesaving inventions a reality. |
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“Next Step” Sand Filters: SHIP has recently developed some additional tools for sand filter promotion and production. One of these is the “everyman” mold where the minimal output of cash can make a mold to produce concrete sand filters. This mold would cost $20 versus the typical mold which costs $500. We are also very excited about the bicycle powered sand sorter invented by Peter Reimer which arrived in our container in May. This sand sorter has helped to eliminate a bottleneck in the production of our sand filters in Zambia. Additionally, we have developed a plastic sand filter that is about to be produced. This sand filter will be much more effective to promote in Zambia because it is lighter and can be mass produced. |
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“Next Step” Drilling Rigs: We are convinced that successful development comes from having the right tool at the right time. Because of this we are taking the approach of utilizing several varied methods and sizes of drilling rigs. We currently have two trailer mounted cable tool drill rigs in Zambia which we are using very successfully. We have plans to design and build a larger version of this rig to field test. We also have a trailer mounted rotary rig that is in the final stages of rebuilding. Recently we were also give a large air/mud rotary truck mounted rig (Cyclone Driller) that we are looking to restore and deploy for drilling wells. |
| “Next Step” Hand Pumps: We are partnering with Stillwater Ministries and Hand pumps for Hope to develop, field test and promote a new hydraulic hand-pump that is extremely easy to repair. Instead of 150 lbs. of tools and a day of repairs with two to three men, this pump can be repaired and re-installed within an hour using only two crescent wrenches and two hex wrenches by a couple village women. The first prototypes of this Awassa pump were installed by SHIP in Zambia in 2006 and we are now field testing nine more newly designed Awassa pumps. We are very excited about promoting this design in other needy places. |  |
“Next Step” Block Maker: We are developing a compressed earth block maker that will compress blocks at 150 tons of pressure so that buildings can be made of earth alone. This technology will help us in building infrastructure as well as creating work in the community. In Mapalo, over 200 houses have collapsed this rainy season alone, and so there is a desperate need for technology like this. |
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