Sweet taste of oral rehydration

Presentation Sr. Cathy Crawford, left, and Winnie Liywali, right, inspect a borehole in Mwanambinyi, Zambia. -  Photo by Derrick Siliminia

By Derrick Silimina

In the heart of Mongu, Zambia, Sibeso Mulonda recalls suffering from a diarrheal disease not with the searing memory of pain, but with a horrifying sensation of death.

"I struggled with severe dehydration and later discovered that I had an abdominal infection after ingesting contaminated water, which posed a threat to my health," Mulonda told Global Sisters Report.

Mulonda, a fish trader at Mulamba Harbour, some 580 km from the capital of Lusaka, described her illness as so severe that during her feverish state, it felt as though the disease pulled her vital organs down, leaving her helpless against the unseen bacterial poison and stripping her of strength and life.

The moment of recovery was a pivotal point in Mulonda's experience, highlighting the importance of access to clean water, symbolized by the sweet taste of the oral rehydration salts her mother brought from a mission clinic.

"My predicament indicates how inadequate access to clean water poses serious health risks, hence the vital role of improved sanitation and water management in safeguarding community health and well-being," she said.

For this reason, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary's efforts in sinking deep wells and installing water pumps in the Mongu district are instrumental in improving access to clean water, as their initiatives support self-reliance among community members and help raise living standards.

The religious sisters' water projects, supported by Irish partners and the International Presentation Association through the Clean Water Initiative program, play a crucial role in improving health outcomes in affected communities. Their efforts contribute significantly to disease prevention and promote better sanitation and health conditions in vulnerable populations.

Chiyaze Biemba, left, and Presentation Sr. Cathy Crawford fetch water in one of the deep wells provided by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Singanda village at the edge of the Barotse floodplains in Mongu, Zambia. - Photo by Derrick Siliminia

Since the 1990s, Sr. Cathy Crawford, a member of the Presentation Sisters, has actively participated in various development projects, notably contributing to Cheshire Home, a rehabilitation center in Mongu for children with disabilities. As circumstances in the local area evolved, her religious organization expanded its efforts to include additional programs like the Clean Water Initiative and building housing units for vulnerable communities.

"In 2005, due to drought in the Mwanambinyi and Mukulo areas along the edge of the Barotse Floodplain, we came to the community's rescue and sunk 12 deep wells and a borehole. Each of the wells was equipped with a windlass system of a bucket and chain to fetch the water as well as a steel cover on each to ensure the safety and cleanliness of water," Crawford told GSR.

Crawford, who arrived in Mongu more than 30 years ago, explained that the expansion of the organization's efforts demonstrates its adaptive strategy to meet the evolving needs of the community. Currently, the initiatives benefit more than 5,000 families in the villages along the edge of the plain and those living within the plain itself. 

"The water proved to be a real godsend for the people because it provided a constant source. The wells never dried up. Even in seasons of very little and no rain, there was water. People were able to water small gardens, provide water for animals, and most importantly had clean drinking water throughout," she said. 

Crawford said that the borehole in the Mwanambinyi community was equipped with a submersible pump and connected to electricity, facilitating water access in a newly developing area where residents were being allocated plots for housing. The community demonstrated ownership of the project by organizing maintenance and ensuring the sustainable use of the water supply, addressing a critical need in an area previously lacking nearby water infrastructure.

She said that the project primarily benefits women and children, who are typically responsible for fetching water. The Clean Water Initiative has eliminated the need for a water search, allowing children to attend school without the burden of water collection, thereby supporting their education and overall well-being.

Crawford, 80, said the water project has empowered people to cultivate a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cabbage, rape, okra and other traditional local varieties. When these vegetables are ready for sale, the community has a market at Mongu's Cheshire Home and various guesthouses around town, which enables beneficiaries to earn cash for their daily needs. 

"It's amazing the difference it has made to people's productivity and initiative, considering that this project was the only one of its kind in the Mongu area, providing water for people not supplied by the Water Department because of distance from the mains supply," she said.

The communities along the edges of the Barotseland floodplain remain heavily reliant on shallow wells for their water supply, despite the area's scenic beauty.

In late 2023 to 2024, Zambia faced a severe cholera outbreak, with cases exceeding 23,000 and hundreds of deaths. The outbreak especially impacted children in Lusaka and drought-affected areas, highlighting significant public health challenges and the vulnerability of specific populations during such crises.

Similar to Mulonda's experience with contaminated water, Mubita Musangwa's horticulture business in Mongu's Mwanambinyi area illustrates how the dry season and water scarcity directly impacted agricultural productivity and livelihoods in arid western Zambia. 

Mubita Musangwa, one of the beneficiaries of the water project in the Mwanambinyi area of Zambia. - Photo by Derrick Siliminia

"I fail to sustain my vegetable garden during the dry season due to limited water supply from a drying water hole, which disrupts horticultural activities and affects my income stability," Musangwa said.

Crawford said that her congregation's charism, which revolves around hospitality, caring for the sick and the most vulnerable, and educating those at the margins of society, aligns with the values of service and compassion demonstrated in the lifelong efforts of the congregation's founder, Nano Nagle.

Inspired by Nagle to make a positive impact on people's lives, Crawford initially worked several years as a social worker in Ireland. When she accepted an assignment to join the Presentation Sisters' mission in Mongu, she embraced the role willingly.

"Our work in Mongu, particularly on women and children, demonstrates hospitality to address various needs that arise regularly. I feel we are following in the footsteps of Nano Nagle, our foundress," Crawford said. "It gives me inspiration and courage to remember that I'm part of the larger Presentation family and working with people has given and taught me much more than I have given them. For that, I will always be grateful."

For Winnie Liywali, the sisters' approach went beyond simply gifting the water borehole to the Mwanambinyi community; they also established a water committee and provided training in maintenance and basic sanitation, ensuring sustainable management of the resource.

"This bolehole is an asset in the surrounding villages with over 20 household beneficiaries in the Mwanambinyi area. We are very grateful for the sisters to come to our aid and have access to clean running water because our livelihoods have significantly improved," said Liywali. 

Musangwa credits the success of his horticultural business to the water facility, which enables year-round irrigation. He specifically attributes this achievement to the sisters' timely water project initiative, highlighting the impact of their intervention on sustaining his business activity throughout the year.

"I am super excited because the water facility has enabled my vegetables and orchard to be irrigated consistently, transforming my business from seasonal to year-round green productivity."

A steady income for young Zambians

 

By Derrick Silimina

Affordable Chinese-made motorcycles are changing how Zambians work and move. They enable many young people to find work as couriers or in repair shops amid a labor market that offers few alternatives.

Amid the hustle and bustle of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, a swarm of small, swift and brightly colored Chinese-made motorcycles has become a familiar sight. Over the past months and years, they have become the primary transport and delivery means in a city where jobs are scarce and opportunities limited. 

“Working in the courier business is a dream come true. With my bike, I can now earn more than twice what I used to make as a driver in the industrial area,” 34-year-old Chileshe says as he kicks the starter and the engine rumbles to life with a satisfying growl.

Chileshe’s red Xianfeng motorcycle isn’t just a workhorse, he says, but his lifeline as most Chinese-made brands such as Haojue and Lifan are known for their reliability, affordability, their fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance. 

The young man began working as a delivery rider two years ago when he finally managed to purchase a Chinese motorcycle. Since then, he has successfully leveraged this opportunity to improve his livelihood. 

“Now, I have flexible working hours and a steady income, which not only enhances my economic stability but also gives me a sense of purpose and well-being,” he says. “Now I can even set aside some savings.”

A steady income amid unemployment

Chileshe’s story is one of many. Lots of young people in Zambia have found a new way to greater prosperity with the low-budget motorbikes. The Chinese-made vehicles provide them with job opportunities via courier platforms amid high unemployment. 

Young riders earn income through delivering various goods such as food, flowers, household appliances and parcels and receive payment for each delivery. 

Speaking to them on the streets often yields the same response: they no longer struggle to look for another job and are happy to earn a living via a courier business, enabling them to pay rent and provide food for their family.

Interestingly, the influx of Chinese-made motorbikes has also led to an increased skills transfer among young motorbike repairers and spare-parts dealers in the southern African country, says Joel Phiri. 

The young and aspiring motorcycle mechanic recently recognised the abundant availability of motorbike spare parts, particularly from Chinese manufacturers that allow for easy maintenance and customisation. 

It inspired him to establish a motorcycle-based garage along Lusaka’s Lumumba Road, the city’s important commercial and transport corridor, to make a living from the growing demand for motorcycle repairs and modifications in the city. 

“Actually, I no longer worry about the high cost of living in Lusaka. I make a stable daily income as the demand for bike repairs is really high,” says Phiri.

Local hopes amid growing Chinese exports

As Chinese investment in motorcycle production and assembly plants is growing across Africa, including Zambia, Phiri hopes that some of these investments promote greater local production and create further employment opportunities. 

Yet, most of the motorbikes are being exported from China to African countries. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Zonsen Motorcycle exported over 130,000 motorcycles worth nearly $ 90 million, said International Department Manager Zhou Chun in a China Daily article. “Africa is one of our most important overseas markets,” he added.

Phiri’s expectations do not seem too far-fetched. A delegation from a Chinese company recently expressed interest in establishing a motorcycle assembly plant in Zambia’s Kapiri Mposhi district, an important transport and logistics hub located at the intersection of two major railway lines. 

Officials have welcomed the investors and expressed hopes that the plant will create employment opportunities for local residents as well as revenues for local authorities that could be used to fund public services and infrastructure projects.

A Transformative Masterpiece

By Derrick Silimina

In the Kigongo area of Mwanza Region, northwest Tanzania, fishmonger Neema Aisha remembers how the morning’s fresh catch would sour while she queued for the ferry, putting her business at risk. 

“I struggled daily with fish spoiling in the harsh sun and the moisture from melting ice, which posed a constant threat to my livelihood,” Aisha told ChinAfrica. 

But today, as Aisha steers her pickup across the Chinese-built Magufuli Bridge which connects Kigongo (in the Mwanza Region) and Busisi (in the Geita Region), a cool breeze and the steady hum of traffic set a soothing tone for her morning.  

Aisha now benefits from insulated containers that keep her fish fresh during transit, ensuring they arrive at the market in Sengerema District still glistening and of high quality. The bridge has significantly shortened her travel time and provided her with a sense of security and control over her business operations. 

“My fish stock now arrives fresh and timely. This has significantly reduced the stress and losses associated with goods getting stuck in ferry queues or delays, thereby improving my clients’ satisfaction and reliability of supply.” 

Baba Juma, a coffee vendor in Busisi Town, shares the sentiment. He once spent his mornings anxiously watching the aroma of freshly roasted beans fade as he waited in the ferry queue. 

“As the sun climbed, my profits dropped. But today, my mornings are different! I feel the cool grip of the steering wheel and hear the confident hum of my engine as I glide onto the bridge,” Juma told ChinAfrica. 

“I no longer feel the frustration of wasted time,” he said. “Instead, there’s a calm, focused energy, knowing my business moves as fast as the traffic on this majestic new structure.” 

Before the bridge, ferry delays caused operational inefficiencies and economic losses for entrepreneurs, a consequence of inadequate infrastructure. What was once a vast expanse of shimmering water now thrums with twin white towers piercing the Tanzanian sky like sentinels. 

But for entrepreneurs in Mwanza district, the Magufuli Bridge (also known as the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge) is more than a colossal ribbon of steel and concrete. It is a tangible symbol of opportunity, turning the city’s daily struggles into tangible success. 

  

Connectivity dividends 

Across Lake Victoria, the Magufuli Bridge marks a milestone in Tanzania’s infrastructure development. At 4.66 km long, with a 520-metre extradosed cable-stayed span, it holds the title of Africa’s longest bridge of its kind. 

Built as a four-lane dual carriageway designed for high-speed traffic, it links the towns of Kigongo and Busisi, transforming the corridor into a strategic hub set to energise trade, tourism and agriculture across the region. 

Tanzania’s Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega called it a project of historic significance during a recent tour. It was built with an investment of more than TZS700 billion ($282 million) by the government. Ulega said this milestone marks a transformative step in East Africa’s infrastructure development as the Tanzanian government fully financed the project, demonstrating the country’s commitment to self-financing its major infrastructure projects. 

With its promise of improved mobility, enhanced trade and stronger regional ties, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has described the bridge as a milestone infrastructure project in the country. 

“The state-of-the-art bridge will reduce the travel time across Lake Victoria from two hours to five minutes and will also help to boost trade with neighbouring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Hassan said during the inauguration on 19 June 2025. 

Arguably, the Magufuli Bridge stands as a symbol of progress and possibility for Tanzania and East Africa at large, as it not only honours the legacy of the late president’s infrastructure-focused leadership, but also sets a benchmark for future projects across the continent. 

Speaking at the same inauguration event, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian, affirmed that the Magufuli Bridge is a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative. 

“This is a model of China-Tanzania cooperation, highlighting its broader significance for China-Africa development,” Chen stated. 

Constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corp. (CCECC) and China Railway 15th Bureau Group, the bridge features advanced engineering techniques, including cantilever casting of 123 segments, supporting high-speed traffic and heavy loads. 

Engineers say the design not only highlights cutting-edge construction methods, but also ensures the bridge can handle high-speed traffic with precision and safety, standing as a striking testament to modern bridge engineering in Africa. 

 

Changing lives 

The bridge is expected to boost surrounding industries, including agriculture, tourism and commerce, benefitting over 1 million residents around Lake Victoria. “This drastically lowers cross-lake transport costs by 10 to 15 percent,” CCECC recently noted. 

For Raphael Ndagala, a taxi driver operating on the Busisi-Mwanza route, the bridge means more than just a faster journey; it also opens a new business territory. Ndagala said that before, Kigongo felt like a distant, unprofitable area, but now, as he drives across the bridge, he sees a continuous flow of opportunity. “I no longer fear the jarring stop-and-go of the ferry lines,” he noted. 

Ndagala is upbeat that the bridge’s gleaming white towers serve as a beacon for new customers and fares, while the sound of his phone chiming with ride requests from across the creek has become a regular, welcomed melody. 

“I no longer feel the pressure of a limited customer base, but the liberating thrill of an open road - a future with no boundaries!”