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Lincoln East Rotary member Rick Wilson shared about his recent trip and partnership with several rural communities in Southern Zambia. Rick is a member of Engineers without Borders, USA, Nebraska Professionals. His work is in the same region as the Lincoln East Rotary Zambia Nutrition Program near Zimba, Zambia. Rick and his team visited the Zimba region in 2024 to assess almost 40 dams in the area. The dams provide water for livestock, irrigation for community gardens, and cooking and drinking water, if a borehole is not available. 
In July, 2025, they re-examined 5 of those dams in detail for possible repair in 2026. The work included; surveys, geotech samples, and geophysical surveys to locate groundwater. Two common causes of structure failure in the dams was due to termites and vegetation growth. This recent trip also included sessions with each rural community and leaders, tribal government leaders, and local district government officials. Together, they hope to create a plan of sustainability with the communities to keep these vital dams functioning. During the dry season, the dams are critical in keeping this water source viable. 
The next steps for Engineers without Borders will include designing detailed plans and specifications for each of the 5 dams and prioritizing needs. The University of Zambia will provide the geotechnical results. Rick has begun fundraising for the repair costs, which will also be funded in part by each community. The Lincoln East Rotary Foundation committee approved donating $5,000.00 towards the cost of these repairs. We are proud to be a part of this important partnership with our neighbors in Zambia. |
