Windhoek's Tippy Tap Challenge

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEK A new initiative aims to build 2 020 Tippy Tap handwashing stations in Windhoek's informal settlements to help people fight the coronavirus.The Windhoek 2020 Tippy Tap Challenge wants to set up these devices by 20 May. The Tippy Tap is a hands-free device for handwashing that was designed for rural areas where there is no running water. It is operated by a foot lever and thus reduces the chance of infection as the user only touches a bar of soap suspended from a stringAccording to a press release issued by the initiative, the project is well on course with 28 producers that have already built over 700 Tippy Taps. InnovationThe initiative is part of the Living Permaculture project which supports innovative design and develops solutions for everyday living in informal settlements. “We are impressed by the diversity of the designs we see,” says Ina Wilkie, the project coordinator. “When we had to stop our activities due to the coronavirus, we were sitting with these highly motivated young people, most of them shack dwellers, who had just come out of design and permaculture workshops. “We find this is an ideal opportunity to engage our champions in inventing and thinking on their feet and to fan the flame of entrepreneurship. We want to demonstrate how small, simple solutions can make a difference to your life.” Rub-a-dubAccording to the statement there is quite a discussion on whether liquid or bar soap should be used, but in any case, soap is important. The coronavirus protects itself by a thin layer of fat. When you wash your hands with soap, the foam dissolves the fat and that breaks the coronavirus germ. The Tippy Tap challenge uses bar soap which hangs at the tap. The virus cannot live on soap and therefore this is a safe and practical solution. Liquid soap can also be used, but it is important to use enough to make foam and to rinse the hands with clear water afterwards. “Over the solid soap you put the base of a big yoghurt cup,” explains Imelda Munika. “That way, the soap does not melt in the sun, get wet from rain or become dirty with dust. “To avoid wasting water, you can also put a bucket under the Tippy Tap to collect the wastewater. You can then use it for your plants. “Or you can even put a plant directly under the Tippy Tap. To keep the pedal straight and easy to use, you can prop it between two stones or bamboo planted in the ground.”

Windhoek's Tippy Tap Challenge

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

Please login to leave a comment

Windhoek's Tippy Tap Challenge

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

Please login to leave a comment

Login