The Siaya medical waste incinerator project was a success! Benji and I depart Kenya with full hearts, after witnessing a great need met by hard work and collaboration. The hospital administrators and staff were amazing to work with, as were the engineers who made the repairs. We were able to confirm that the incinerator has been brought to full working order, as well as the operating staff trained and prepared to sustain the project safely and properly.
The hospital administration has included maintenance and future repairs in its budget, and a seed has been planted for future waste management expansion across Siaya County.
Our week concluded with a commissioning ceremony that included the Minister of Health for Siaya County. Her remarks brought hope for a future that will see bigger and better opportunities for handling waste, an important mission for an area that so desperately needs ways to decrease the spread of disease and increase general sanitation.
We here in America take for granted the ability to throw something “away”, with our efficient and readily available resources for disposal. In Siaya, there is no “away” right now, but after our time there, we believe that their wheels are turning toward a new way of thinking. Thank you to all who donated, to EWB, and most of all, to Siaya County Referral Hospital for seeing a tough project through.
Asante sana (thank you so very much), from the bottom of our hearts.
Kathryn Blount
Asheville Engineers Without Borders Chapter Secretary
– – Asheville Professionals Engineers Without Borders
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