The Q Drum is a durable, donut shaped plastic container which when full holds 50 litres of water. The idea of the Q Drum originated in response to the needs of rural people in developing countries who have a problem carrying adequate quantities of potable water from a reliable source. A burden which is generally bestowed on the women and children of each community. In Africa for example, many debilitating back and neck injuries are a result of women carrying heavy loads on their heads.
“The Q Drum has reduced time in collecting water, provided enough water for households, reduced backache problems and helped children especially girls not to miss school for collecting water several times. One user argues that the volume of Q-Drums could have been increased to 100 litres. Anecdotal Evidence: Elizabeth Kweyu: Being a young girl in school, the Q Drum has helped improve her performance in school due to regular attendance. Ruth Anono: She says the Q-Drum has helped her reduce backache disease burden that she has suffered for a long time due to carrying large volumes of water on her head. She can now save the money she used to spend on treatment and use it for other family needs. Sophy Nakhungu: Sophy is an orphaned school going girl living with her ailing grandmother. She says that the Q Drum has greatly transformed her life due to the fact that she can supply her family with enough water on time, get some time to attend to her school assignment and other domestic duties. Hellen Nabwire: She is able to provide her family with large volumes of water with unlike in the past. Catherine Akinyi: She has witnessed a reduction in domestic violence due to lack of enough water for the family. ”
“According to the interviews and surveys we have conducted in the villages that received Q Drums, the technology has been very good for the people who use it. When they use the Q Drum they save time, and have more time to spend on other activities. They now only have to go to collect water once a day. I also just want to say that Kopernik’s policy of helping women is really great, because women face a lot of problems each day having to collect water.”
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January 22, 2013
“Its uniqueness lies in the design of the longitudinal shaft or central hole, through which a rope is tied, to pull or roll the drum along all terrain types. Due to the low-density polyethylene it is made from, it is also practically indestructible and has no removable handles or other metal attachments that could detract from its intended purpose if lost or broken. The rope can be repaired on the spot or easily replaced by a leather thong, woven plant substance or any other appropriate material. In many rural areas around the world, even a hammer and nail are scarce commodities.
Source: technologyexchangelab.org
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The Q Drum is a durable, donut shaped plastic container which when full holds 50 litres of water. Included is a lid or closure and a length of rope.
The idea of the Q Drum originated in response to the needs of rural people in developing countries who have a problem carrying adequate quantities of potable water from a reliable source. A burden which is generally bestowed on the women and children of each community. In Africa for example, many debilitating back and neck injuries are a result of women carrying heavy loads on their heads. Rolling water in a cylindrical vessel was the only solution that seemed to make sense.
Made from low linear density polyethelene
None required
Due to its intended use, Q-Drums are designed to be durable, however it is difficult to give a warranty as this may depend on the type of terrain of where it will be used.
50cm diameter, 30cm high, 4.5kg
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