Professional and Career Topics

I have had the opportunity to work on several water projects in many developing areas.  One of the problems that I have frequently seen are the results of well-intentioned, but misguided initiatives to help individual communities improve their drinking water supply.  Sometimes our colleagues’ enthusiasm and desire to make concrete progress on a project, results in damaged relationships with the community, even inappropriate or dangerous water supplies.  Do folks have suggestions about how to communicate best practices in terms of effectiveness and sustainability to members of our community who have a genuine desire to help others but maybe don’t have experience or background in working in developing areas?

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Andrew Elmore Ph.D., P.E., F.EWRI, F.ASCE
Lake Havasu City AZ

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It all comes down to priorities. If all your doing is meeting a physical or infrastructural need without meeting their spiritual/heart need, you will find that people are a prideful selfish and self serving creature. When you put material needs in front of spiritual needs it will end in a materialistic society every time.
Example; The United States of America was founded on a very basic biblical principal of "Freedom of Religion" which was centered on Judeo/Christian teachings and it prospered. Today, we have forgotten the spiritual side and only focus on the material. Thus, the reason we are in the mess we face and unless something changes will continue to deteriorate.
It's great to meet the infrastructure needs of any people but never put that need in front of the Spiritual. John 3:16

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Samson Bandimere Aff.M.ASCE
Bandimere Grouting Consulting Services
Bandimer Grouting Consulting Services
Arvada CO
(303) 881-8622
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Hello Andrew - I strongly suggest you establish contact with Engineers Without Borders - USA (EWB-USA).  They have established and proven systems, processes and procedures to establish and deliver successful projects in partnership with communities in developing or underdeveloped countries around the globe.  Check out  Home - Engineers Without Borders USA

Engineers Without Borders USA		remove preview
Home - Engineers Without Borders USA Unleashing Great Minds on Great Problems Engineers Without Borders USA builds a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world's most pressing challenges. Our 16,800 members work with communities to find appropriate solutions for water supply, sanitation, energy, agriculture, civil works and structures. View this on Engineers Without Borders USA >

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Kathy Caldwell P.E., F.SEI, Pres.11.ASCE
President
Caldwell Cook and Associates
Gainesville FL
(352) 375-1287
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