We're Rollin'

The Zambulances (bicycle drawn carts) have been a huge success in DR Congo with countless people transported to the outpost hospital since the original Zambulances were delivered two years ago.  The health workers initially saved the Zambulances for use by the pregnant women who might need transferred to the hospital.  The demand for other urgent transport, however, soon became evident.  Last year over 160 people were transported in a 5 month period.  The bicycles really got a workout!

Happy smiles when the Zambulances made it to the Congo border.
Mattresses can be seen in upper left corner and bicycles are leaning against the tree.
 

The Zambulance program was such a success, the Wasaidizi health workers urged us to provide 2 more Zambulances for other remote areas. Finally after months of emails, planning, and coordinating the Zambulances were finally delivered.   Parts of the bicycles were manufactured in Malawi and had to be transported over 9 hours to Lusaka, Zambia.  From there they were transported over 6 hours to the DR Congo border.  They were picked up there and transported two hours to Lubumbashi by another truck.  Finally, they were put on large trucks and traveled another 2 hours to Kasenga District.  I assume someone then actually pedaled them to the respective villages where they will reside.  These are already well traveled Zambulances and they haven't even been put into service yet!!