Mission accomplished!
In just three weeks, the initiative has installed 2 298 tippy taps in the Goreangab, Otjomuise, Havana and Ongulumbashe settlements.
STAFF REPORTER
WINDHOEK
An initiative that aimed to install more than 2 000 handwashing devices in Windhoek's informal settlements to help residents fight the coronavirus has reached its goal.
The Windhoek Tippy Tap Challenge aimed to set up 2 020 tippy taps in informal settlements by 20 May.
However, in just three weeks, the initiative has installed 2 298 tippy taps in the Goreangab, Otjomuise, Havana and Ongulumbashe settlements.
A tippy tap is a hands-free device used for washing hands, and is especially designed for rural areas where there is no running water. It is operated by a foot lever and thus reduces the chance of transmission of pathogens, as the user only touches a bar of soap suspended by a string.
Made with recycled materials
“A total of 28 producers, who all live in informal settlements, built the handwashing devices in their neighbourhoods and mainly used recycled materials,” the initiative said in a statement.
Washing hands with soap has been the most important advice to stay safe from the coronavirus.
“A tippy tap is therefore a good solution for living situations without running water. For a tippy tap, a water container hangs on a frame and is connected with a string to a pedal on the ground. When pushing the pedal with your foot, the container tips and water runs. You can then wash your hands without touching a tap,” the statement added.
Innovation welcomed
The initiative is part of the Living Permaculture project, which supports innovative design and develops solutions for everyday living in informal settlements.
Most of the producers have been working with the project for a while and have had the chance to gain experience in designing and building prototypes for solutions like household greywater filters or solar ovens.
WINDHOEK
An initiative that aimed to install more than 2 000 handwashing devices in Windhoek's informal settlements to help residents fight the coronavirus has reached its goal.
The Windhoek Tippy Tap Challenge aimed to set up 2 020 tippy taps in informal settlements by 20 May.
However, in just three weeks, the initiative has installed 2 298 tippy taps in the Goreangab, Otjomuise, Havana and Ongulumbashe settlements.
A tippy tap is a hands-free device used for washing hands, and is especially designed for rural areas where there is no running water. It is operated by a foot lever and thus reduces the chance of transmission of pathogens, as the user only touches a bar of soap suspended by a string.
Made with recycled materials
“A total of 28 producers, who all live in informal settlements, built the handwashing devices in their neighbourhoods and mainly used recycled materials,” the initiative said in a statement.
Washing hands with soap has been the most important advice to stay safe from the coronavirus.
“A tippy tap is therefore a good solution for living situations without running water. For a tippy tap, a water container hangs on a frame and is connected with a string to a pedal on the ground. When pushing the pedal with your foot, the container tips and water runs. You can then wash your hands without touching a tap,” the statement added.
Innovation welcomed
The initiative is part of the Living Permaculture project, which supports innovative design and develops solutions for everyday living in informal settlements.
Most of the producers have been working with the project for a while and have had the chance to gain experience in designing and building prototypes for solutions like household greywater filters or solar ovens.
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