From Rainwater Tanks to Dignity: The Ripple Effect of Water Access Projects | Dialogue with Kerstin Danert from Ask for Water

DevelopmentAid Dialogues

Guest description: Dr. Kerstin Danert, the founder and director of Ask for Water. Ask for Water works collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and research institutions. They focus not just on the technical aspects of borehole drilling, but also on building capacity, ensuring quality control, and implementing sustainable practices.
Episode Description:
In this episode, we discuss water access in low- and middle-income countries with Dr. Danert. Hey journey began in Uganda, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles of communities relying on unsafe water sources. She emphasizes the importance of having qualified professionals engaged into projects as well as proper techniques in borehole drilling. Dr. Danert emphasizes that "a borehole is much more than a hole in the ground." Ask for Water champions responsible practices that ensure long-term functionality and prevent well failure.
The heart of the episode lies in the human stories. Dr. Danert shares a moving story about a Ugandan woman whose life was transformed by having access to clean water at home. This simple act brought dignity, freed her from arduous journeys to distant springs, and empowered her to participate more fully in her community. This story exemplifies the ripple effect of water access projects, impacting health, education, and gender equality.
The episode doesn't shy away from the challenges. Dr. Danert expresses concern about the current emphasis on drilling quantity over long-term project sustainability. She stresses the importance of responsible planning, cost analysis, and community involvement to ensure projects continue to provide clean water for years to come.

"From Rainwater Tanks to Dignity" is an inspiring exploration of Ask for Water's impactful work. It leaves us with a renewed appreciation for the life-changing power of clean water access and the dedication of organizations like Ask for Water who are committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions.
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The podcast is sponsored by Developmentaid.org
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Chapters

1. From Rainwater Tanks to Dignity: The Ripple Effect of Water Access Projects | Dialogue with Kerstin Danert from Ask for Water (00:00:00)

2. Why ask for water? (00:01:07)

3. Real life examples how Ask for Water helps communities (00:02:35)

4. The art of combining engineering and social sciences (00:03:58)

5. How often Sub-Saharan countries are relying on water well drilling? (00:06:44)

6. Movie production and Ask for Water? (00:09:14)

7. NGOs activities in reaching the goals (00:12:11)

8. Effective techniques for hand pump installation (00:15:38)

9. Real life story (00:19:50)