The ClaySure Team has been on the move. After leaving Somaliland, we headed south to perform feasibility studies in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Both countries have a lot to do before they will be producing filters, but now they are headed towards a simple, affordable, effective solution to waterborne disease. This is especially important in Zimbabwe, where the recent Cholera outbreak has now affected over 100,000 individuals. The coming rainy season will only cause cholera to spread more quickly, and Crazy Cat ceramics is hoping to get filters out into the market before the rains begin.
Next, Rwanda, the 'Land of a Thousand Hills,' where clay and potters abound. Here we performed two more feasibility studies - one in rural Gitarama (see images), and one in Kigali, Rwanda's capital.
ClaySure is now back in Somaliland for the finalization of the filter formula, and for the construction of a second, larger kiln. Thank you for your continued interest and support. Safe water for all!
-Kaira

April 15, 2009
There has been significant progress over the last few days at the filter factory in Hargeisa, Somaliland. With a working hammer-mill, we have been able to start processing raw materials, and yesterday we began pressing filters. The bricks for the kiln should be ready for us in the next few days, so plans are to begin kiln construction on Saturday. We will build the kiln as the filters dry, with hopes of a first firing by the end of next week. For previous updates, please look up ClaySure on blogger.com. More to come!

April 10, 2009


Hello from Hargeisa, Somaliland! The ClaySure team has arrived safely in Hargeisa, and is now carrying out factory implementation. The first day of work in the factory shows us that there is much to be done in the next four weeks. The molds of the press are not correctly aligned, so we have contracted a welder to help us adjust the female mold. In addition, the clay that has been collected is of poor quality, and does not have the proper plasticity required for filter production. A minor setback, but tomorrow we will go with some local potters to identify a new clay source. After collecting the clay, we will begin preparation of raw materials so that we can start pressing filters. While the filters dry, we will construct the Mani kiln, with hopes of completing the first firing by the end of our second week. We will keep you posted.
While on our way to Somaliland we stopped over in Kenya for a visit with the Wambugus. The factory is doing very well, and has recently undergone a major renovation. Filter production has nearly quadrupled since we left, and filter orders are coming fast. A success to say the least! Here is a picture of us with (left to right) Wanja, Githinji, Mr. and Mrs. Wambugu, and Wangari. In the background you can see the new building on the left, and the new roof for firewood storage on the right.