Kabwalin Widows Mill Project

Following the success of the Kabwalin Widows and Orphans Agricultural Group the saltpetertrust provided £1400 to allow the project to build a grinding mill enabling the cooperative members to grind their grain at no cost, and generate funds by grinding for neighbours at a commercial rate. The project is being managed by a chairman, Robert Adiba, Treasurer and committee, and 3-4 local people are employed to operate the mill.

A huller was added in 2006 extending the range of grain the mill is able to grind to include rice and maize. This addition has increased turnover and in 2006 the project generated 60% of its own running costs. Its overwhelming success means the mill is running to full capacity and saltpetertrust has secured funding to add a second mill house. The new building will be equipped with a huller, grinding mill and lighting to enable working hours to extend to meet demand.

More widows have been able to join the Agricultural Group as the mill’s turnover has increased and with the opening of the new building this benefit will be extended to others. It is anticipated that whole project will be financially self sufficient by the end of 2007.

Such is the transformation in the widow’s quality of life that Local Government Officials for Kabwalin District have declared that the project has considerably improved the life of the village; it is hoped that future developments will encourage reinvestment in medical and educational facilities for the community.