Ulanda Nyirenda

Why did you decide to study MSc Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering at the University of Leeds?

I decided to study this course because of the water supply and sanitation challenges my country Zambia is currently facing as a developing nation. Also, because of my desire to make a contribute in making the world a better place to live. The program offers the best Engineering and Public health knowledge from an international and local context which is the bedrock of any developing country. The Unitverisity of Leeds has one of the best combinations of modules, tests, and experienced staff in the real situations in the field and academicians which forms the team offering the course.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University and why?

As an engineer in the Government of Zambian’s water supply and sanitation sector, international exposure and gain of appropriate knowledge required to steer our water and sanitation sector in the right direction under the current circumstances as a developing nation and the operations of various actors in the WASH sector have been great. Because the program has enriched my knowledge in terms of approaches, synergies, technologies etcetera covering most contexts of developing nations.

Tell us about the project you have been working on.

I have been working on a project called, “Community Management of Rural Water Supply facilities in Developing Countries” A case study of central province of Zambia. The project focuses on the sustainable management of rural water facilities. The aim is to find out what really causes poor functionality and poor sustainability of the facilities. This is important for developing countries because if the functionality and sustainability of the facilities is improved, it will not only help them achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but most important will  it ensure improved, reliable and adequate water supply and thus improve peoples’ welfare by reducing water related diseases and ultimately poverty levels.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds as a city has almost all sorts of activities and places one can think of visiting and as for me, I have enjoyed playing football at the Edge, shopping in the city Centre and going in the outskirts of Leeds such as Malham Cove.

What Experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

The summary is everything but, I should mention that the networks I have built starting with my own classmates from five different continents, ten different countries including those from most influential highly industrialized, middle income and the low-income countries. The international exposure, the good research and analytical skills and critical thinking, teamwork among others will greatly help me in my present and future career.

What are your ambitions for the future?

To be part of a team that will shape the water and sanitation sector in Zambia and make it relevant to the development of my country and achieve the sustainable development goals. As an individual, I would like to give this knowledge to others in need through consultancy, research, and lecturing.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

Yes, they have made an excellent choice to come and do this course here at University of Leeds because the University has packaged this course very well to suit the prevailing and future global needs and there are huge resources, dedicated staff, state of the art equipment, facilities and support services to meet the needs of any student from anywhere. I can simply say, when you do this course from Leeds, you will go back a very happy person having gained more than you had anticipated.

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