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Frequently Asked
Questions
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page of The Ichupa Upcycle Project!
We understand that you may have questions about our mission, products, and processes. This page is designed to provide you with some answers to address your queries. Whether you are curious about our plastic bottle brick construction, the benefits of rainwater harvesting tanks, or the impact of our initiatives, we've got you covered.
Explore the commonly asked questions below to gain a deeper understanding of our work and how you can be a part of our journey towards a more sustainable future.
Why did you name yourselves, “Ichupa?”
The word “ichupa” is the word for bottle in Lugisu/Lumasaaba (the local language of those residing in the Eastern Uganda around the Mt.Elgon Escarpment). When our Founder first began collecting plastic bottles, a local Bagisu (member of the Lugisu tribe) by the name of Roony helped him collect over a hundred 1L plastic bottles. "Ichupa" is also how our communities began to reference our construction work and how we like to make sure that everthing we construct features the exposed bottle cap and top in all of our designs.
Are you registered?
The Ichupa Upcycle Project, and its creative body of work, is currently incorporated (ICHUPA ORGANISATION LIMITED; RN: 80034980244682) as a nonprofit organization, undergoing the process of becoming a nongovernment organization (NGO) in Mbale, Uganda and it’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States of America. Our mission for Ichupa's registration resonates with that of a charitable model; meaning that every dollar, euro, shilling, or any form of currency we receive from grantors, local investors, and our global community goes right back into our community first and helps to reinforce our organization and mission. We keep moving forward in the process and our mission, one upcycled bottle at a time. Stay tuned!
When did the organization, and your construction, begin?
The Ichupa Upcycle Project, like many great company’s, began in our founder’s backyard during his Peace Corps service in August 2016, and established on August 2017 when our first Ichupa Rainwater Harvesting Tank™ was constructed. After questioning why so many roofs didn’t possess gutters and the amount of plastic bottles found in and around the city of Mbale, he began constructing his own rainwater harvesting tank using plastic bottle bricks which now serves as the model for all of Ichupa’s creative works.
You received a World wildlife fund (WWF) Climate Crowd grant, why?
The WWF Climate Crowd awards Peace Corps Volunteers and communities to develop and implement practical solutions that promote resilience and adaptation to the ever-changing climate, benefiting both people and the natural environment. Additionally, our team helped gather valuable data about the impacts of climate change around communities in and around Mbale. Through careful analysis of this data, WWF Climate Crowd is equipped to provide comprehensive reports to the very communities from which the data was collected.
Do you work in countries other than Uganda?
With all gratitude aside, we have received strong interests from many of the countries neighboring Uganda (i.e. Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania) and those beyond our nearest borders (Liberia, Ghana, and Mozambique). Our hope is to continue leading rainwater harvesting strategies across Uganda, and also reach areas dealing with intense droughts and issues of waste management.
How can I support Ichupa? Or a community, school, or church?
As we are furthering our reach into new communities across Uganda, other countries in East Africa, and integrating into academic programs within the United States you can best support us by following us on social media and finding others just as interested as you are to sponsor a rainwater harvesting tank, pit latrine, or scholastic library in Uganda.
As an organization, are you hiring?
Ichupa is growing and concentrating our workforce across the eastern region of Uganda. Our current opportunities involving construction remain limited to our immediate staff, but we are looking to broaden a growing support team in the United States and Uganda. If you’re curious, reach out to us at info@ichupa.org.
Does your organization hire women, disabled, or marginalized community members?
Our organization is deeply committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all Ugandans. We actively engage disenfranchised youth in Mbale, not only sourcing plastic bottles from them but also providing fair compensation through a premium payment per kilogram collected. In 2022, we took a significant step towards gender equality by training and mentoring three women who have now become lead engineers and technicians. Our overarching objective is to achieve a harmonious workforce with equal representation of men and women, fostering diversity, empowerment, and innovation within our construction crew. Through these efforts, we are building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Ichupa and the communities we serve.
How do you ensure your staff’s safety before, during, and after construction?
Safety is a priority before, during, and on the completion of one of our rainwater tanks when collaborating with new communities. We provide proper personal protective equipment, implement security protocols, and maintain clear communication channels with our operations team. We ensure that your staff receives adequate training on safety procedures and hazard identification, as well as conduct inspections to identify and address potential risks promptly.
Do you pay your workers reasonable wages?
At Ichupa, we are committed to providing fair and reasonable wages to our workers; including temporary hires. We believe in ensuring that our employees are compensated appropriately for their skills, experience, and the valuable contributions they make to our projects. Our aim is to create a supportive and equitable work environment where our workers are fairly remunerated for their efforts.
Do you engage in financial loans, annual bonuses, or educational scholarships for members of your team?
We strive to provide reasonable wages that align with industry standards and reflect the skills and contributions of our employees. Additionally, Ichupa may offer financial assistance in the form of emergency loans, annual bonuses based on performance, and educational scholarships to support the personal and professional growth of our team members. These initiatives are designed to foster a supportive and empowering environment for our team, in compliance with nonprofit laws and regulations.
What is the average price of a 10,000L rainwater harvesting tank?
On average, the price for a 10,000L tank is, depending on market rate of our materials, between 3.5 million to 5 million Ugandan shillings; ~$1,000-$1,500 USD. This cost typically includes building out a solid foundation on which the rainwater harvesting tank will stand, sourcing all of the construction materials, paying our technicians, engineers, and employees a fair wage, and connecting the rainwater harvesting tank to gutters supplied by our Chief Engineer.
What is the average price of a 2-4 unit pit latrine?
In the most recent year, due to the ever-fluctuating market rate for our equipment and materials, we need to conduct a site visit on-location to determine the total cost of a pit latrine (due to interested size and dimensions).
Can Ichupa be hired for a special project (i.e. building)?
Yes, Ichupa can be hired for special projects, including building construction. Our skilled team of professionals, including field technicians, engineers, and site leads, are experienced in various construction projects. Whether it's a rainwater harvesting tank, pit latrine, scholastic library, or other structures utilizing plastic bottle bricks, we have the expertise to deliver quality results. We work closely with clients to understand their specific requirements and tailor our services accordingly. By partnering with Ichupa, you can benefit from our innovative approach, sustainable practices, and amazing staff members!
How long does your construction process take?
Our construction process varies depending on the desired results for each of our products. For an Ichupa Rainwater Harvesting Tank, it can take up to two weeks to complete. For an Ichupa Pit Latrine, between one to two months. For an Ichupa Scholastic Library, between two to three months. All special projects are subject to various schedules and current work being conducted in-country.
What is the life-expectancy of one of your products?
Our Ichupa Rainwater Harvesting Tanks, and other products, are designed with durability and longevity in mind. With proper maintenance and care, the life expectancy of our rainwater harvesting tanks and other structures can vary depending on factors such as usage, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. However, on average, our tanks could have a lifespan of several decades due to their sheer size but are subject to factors listed above.
How can I build a rainwater harvesting tank like Ichupa's?
To build a rainwater harvesting tank like Ichupa's, begin by assessing your needs and designing the tank accordingly. Gather materials, including plastic bottles, cement, and reinforcing materials. Prepare a solid foundation and construct the walls using plastic bottle bricks, ensuring proper alignment and stability. Reinforce the structure with steel bars as needed. Install a cover, inlet, and outlet system, and apply waterproofing materials to ensure the tank is watertight. Test the tank, perform regular maintenance, and consult professionals or experienced organizations for guidance throughout the process. We do request that if you are attempting to recreate our exact design, please ask for permission or a license in accordance to intellectual property rights.
Is the water captured inside of the tank, drinkable or harmful?
Ichupa builds non-potable water reservoirs meaning that the rainwater captured inside of the tank still needs to be treated (by boiling or chemically). The reason for this is due to the possible debris atop of your roofing becoming mixed in with the rainfall, affixed gutters, and any microbial communities on each surface. We don’t market our Ichupa Rainwater Harvesting Tank construction model as a “clean" or "safe" drinking water source knowing there is always a chance a microbial pathogen may exist but remains unseen to the human eye despite being clear water.
Is the use of cement in your rainwater harvesting tanks harmful to the environment?
The use of cement in rainwater harvesting tanks should be approached with careful consideration of environmental impacts. While cement is a common construction material that provides strength and durability, its production is associated with carbon emissions and energy consumption. However, when used responsibly and in combination with sustainable construction practices, the environmental impact can be minimized. At Ichupa, we strive to mitigate these concerns by employing eco-friendly practices. We focus on optimizing cement usage, exploring alternative materials, and implementing efficient construction techniques. Additionally, we prioritize the upcycling of plastic bottles, which helps reduce waste and promote sustainability. By continuously improving our processes and seeking innovative solutions, we aim to minimize the environmental footprint of our rainwater harvesting tanks and contribute to a more sustainable future.
What about future plans to ban plastic across the country of Uganda? Are you worried you will go out of business?
Ichupa is committed to environmental sustainability, and we fully support efforts to ban single-use plastic across the country of Uganda. While such a ban would have an impact on our use of plastic bottle bricks, we are dedicated to adapting and finding innovative solutions. We have always been proactive in exploring alternative materials and construction methods that align with our mission. Our focus on upcycling and environmental conservation extends beyond plastic bottles. We continuously evolve our practices to stay aligned with changing regulations and market demands. Rest assured, we are well-prepared to navigate any future developments and remain committed to our mission of creating sustainable solutions for the benefit of our communities and the environment.