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  Earth Champs have fun with water pumps
Updated 02 September 2002, 19.26
Earth Champions report from the Earth Summit
The Earth Champions Stephanie, Peter, Rhys and Tim are reporting for us from South Africa on the Earth Summit

This is their third diary.

  Click here diary one: Visiting Soweto
  Click here for diary two: Chillin' at Gold Reef


"Today was all about water for us! We visited the exhibitions at the Water Dome, part of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

We were given a talk at the Knowledge Pool at the Water Dome, run by the UK Government, about how Britain is trying to help those in developing countries get access to clean, fresh water.

Many people in these areas have to travel long distances to reach wells and boreholes. Here's what we found out."


Tim:
Tim on the Step Pump
Tim on the Step Pump
"I discovered the PumpAid Elephant Pump, which costs of £200 and pumps 60 litres - enough for a family for two days.

At the top of the pump there's a handle. When you turn it, it turns the wheel, the string moves around the wheel and pulls water up the pipe.

It's quite difficult to use if you're small like me, but if you're an adult it's easier. But I reckon it's probably the children who will be using the pump.

I also had a look at the "Step Pump" - a pump attached to a step exercise machine! You don't use your hands, but you your feet like you're walking.

It's quicker because you can run with it! But it only does 30 litres a minute, so it's not as good.

The standard push down pump was my least favourite: it's quite hard work so I reckon you'd soon get very red in the face!!"

Peter:
Tim on the Roundabout Pump
Tim on the Roundabout Pump
"I had a look at a more complicated pump.

It's a roundabout that kids play on and as they're going round and round it pumps water to a tank in a water tower nearby.

The water goes down to a tap and the villagers collect water from it. It takes about two hours of play to fill the tank. The advantages are that it won't run out because all children love to play.

There are also advertising boards on the water tower which helps with the cost."

Stephanie:
Pete and Steph check out the Hippo pump
Pete and Steph check out the Hippo pump
"I checked out a rolling drum invention for transporting water, similar to those used in holiday camps in Britain.

The Hippo Water Roller carries about 90 litres, is quite cheap and lasts up to 7 years.

It will be of good use to people who have to carry water a long way to their house. Like the water tower there is advertising on the Hippos which brings down the cost of them."


"After all that pump action, we did spot of shopping, had some lunch, then it was time to go to the Sandton Conference Centre - where most of the talking at the Summit happens."

Rhys:
"I joined in a good discussion about making Wales sustainable country, but I wasn't happy with what was said.

After listening intensely I realised the discussion was on what we were going to do in Wales when we arrive home.

The delegates were saying what they wanted from the Welsh Assembly.

I saw this as a waste of time as I believe this could easily be talked about back home. The main focus should have been the World Summit here in Johannesburg, after all that's what we have come to discuss.

Instead they carried on questioning the First Minister of Wales on their request.

Yes, I do believe this is important but we have come here to help poorer countries, and we can discuss our country back home.

After all Tony Blair has not come to address the world on what he wants to achieve in Britain but what he wants in the world!"

The Earth Champions, South Africa

There will be more from the Earth Champs tomorrow!


Why don't you write us a Press Pack report - and get it published on the site?!

It can be about anything that's happened in your local area - or your views on the news.

  Click here to find out how to do it

More InfoBORDER=0
Find OutWhat's the Earth Summit all about?
GamesPlay SOS Emazonia
ChatEnvironment chat
ClubThe Earth Champions' first diary
ClubSecond diary: Chilling at Gold Reef

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