After inventing a handwashing machine at Mangochi technical college in 2018 which is still operating up to date, Moses Kataika has bemoaned the little support and sponsors towards his innovated machine.
Kataika told ProjectM that after he invented such a machine, he purchased many sensors which he wanted to incorporate in manufacturing many hand washing machines across the country.
“Currently, I do not stay in Mangochi. I invented the machine when I was acquiring some vocational trainings at the district’s technical college and I left it at the school. The handwashing machine which is still operational up to date works using electricity or solar power. When you reach where it is located, you just place your hands without touching anything and the sensors detects your presence which makes water flow.” He said.
He assured ProjectM that he still possesses various skills in as far as innovation skills to hand washing machines is concerned but he attributed lack of financial muscles as one of the decelerating factors towards advancing his innovation.
“You may recall that Malawi was heavily hit with cholera pandemic which claimed many lives. Therefore, the development of such hand washing machines could enhance sanitation and hygiene particularly in areas of many people such as in schools, hospitals and markets among others. The only major challenge I encountered was that some officials from Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) came to inspect the machine but I never got any feedback until that time.” Said Kataika.
Kataika further added that his wish is to continue with the innovation skills which will necessitate a wide range to reach particularly in remote areas where the hand washing machine can be allocated to.
He has also called on government to take heed in supporting innovative youths if the country has to excel in innovation.
We tried to get a reaction from The Spokesperson of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Spokesperson Fitna Khonje but our calls went un answered several times.
For any further information or assistance, you can get in touch with Moses on +265 881 72 16 02.
