John Makonda lives in Geita, Tanzania, just south of Lake Victoria. Since Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa, many view the lake as an economic resource or a local recreation spot. However, John Makonda sees the lake as an experimental playground for the testing of his new wave-powered water pump.
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| John Makonda is testing his water pumping device on magnificent Lake Victoria. |
Beginning in 2014, John has dedicated himself to the careful design and development of the pump which utilizes the upward and downward motions of a buoy connected to a lever in order to pump water as if it were a hand pump being operated by an invisible hand. The following sketches exemplify John’s attention to detail and his well-thought-out design.
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| Sketch of original design - Leonardo da Vinci would be proud! |
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| These sketches are examples of John's creative impulse. |
Since then, John has been able to build a prototype that shows promising results. Without schooling nor training, John gracefully manipulated the concepts of buoyancy, pressure head, and hydraulics in his invention which could prove to be extremely useful in the development of new water distribution systems. Since John’s pump is powered by the constant rise and fall of Lake Victoria, this could significantly decrease the cost and energy required to pump water from the lake to surrounding communities. Increasing populations in not only Tanzania, but Uganda and Kenya, will further expose the significance of John’s wave-powered water pump as the demand for potable drinking water rises.
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| John builds efficient cookstoves in his outdoor workshop, alongside a treadle pump. |
Many who have come before John have tried to harness energy from the visibly powerful waves of the ocean with the likes of underground turbines. However, John Makonda takes a different approach, reminding us once again of the power of innovative thinking. His hard work and dedication will bring forth a new technology that can then be utilized by communities in search of a cost and energy efficient method of pumping freshwater inland.
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| John Makonda is a designer and innovator of appropriate technologies in central Africa. |
Well done, John, and keep up the good work!
What an exciting article!!
ReplyDeleteI love it and can't wait to be part of the success !
ReplyDeleteAfter double checking, I noticed it that the living legend John is from Geita-Tanzania of East Africa and not Central Africa.
ReplyDeleteIts me john Emanuel makonda who enovert of this pump ,
ReplyDeleteI was done five experiment at now I have videos of experiment of pumping from the lake to the field
iwant tocomunicate with you thanks
Big support is needed to
ReplyDeleteBig support is needed to the project to make it big enough and efficient, well done John, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteOur government has to inject some sort of money into the project to ensure that the project is done in the big space
ReplyDelete