Ubunandi

We met many new friends (ubunandi) during our time in Chililabombwe. Today we said our farewells to the council and city leadership. Before we left, we had an opportunity to meet with the member of parliament for Chililabombwe. She discussed the problems they have with the outlying areas of the township, where many people are unable to have access to basic healthcare and education.

She said the number one concern for her office is seeing the hospital (Kokosko) finished with its construction. This will allow those in outlying areas to have a place to stay and eat while they are treated. Otherwise, they have to stay with relatives nearby, if they have any. Either way, it's a burden for the community, and many people who could survive with basic care end up dying.

Schools are available through 7th grade, but after that, students must either move in with relatives in Chililabombwe, or not go to school. Those who don't go often marry at age 14, and oftentimes the girls are forced to marry against their will.

She shared with us how many of these areas also lack water resources, and are forced to travel to the Kafue River and haul their water. This water is not safe for drinking. However, if more community wells are built, there is hope for the community to be able to survive. A new well costs about $4,000 and can serve up to 2,500 people. All told, they need almost 100 wells to adequately supply water to these areas.

Additionally, they would like to create dams along the river, which can then be used for irrigation of new farms and orchards. By creating new resources for employment and capital, the residents of these areas could find themselves having better resources from the government (education, healthcare, environmental safety).

We finished the day with a ceremony officially declaring ourselves as Sister Cities. We presented the mayor and council with gifts from our community, and they presented us with gifts as well. My favorite gift was a ceremonial scarf with the Zambian flag colors. We also received copper wall clocks, which we will keep on Zambian time.

Tomorrow, we will visit Kitwe, who has a robust market on the weekends. There are opportunities for Chililabombweans to bring their goods to this market in the future.