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  • 1.  Best practices for working in developing areas

    Posted 03-07-2017 12:52 PM

    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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  • 2.  RE: Best practices for working in developing areas

    Posted 03-08-2017 02:05 PM
    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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  • 3.  RE: Best practices for working in developing areas

    Posted 03-08-2017 02:05 PM
    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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