Notes out of Zambia 4: Malaria usually blows some fuses in my mind.
To deal in such a condition with car electrical faults is asking for trouble…….
Written by: Bert Witkamp
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| Blown fuse of the old Caldina. Doesn't it look like an ill fated molar? |
Went down with malaria. Took coartem. Car could not
start. Found out a major fuse had blown. Called in Mr Mpundu, the local car
electricity wizard. Elderly man, know him for years, cashes in on being called
only when desperately needed. Upon arrival Mpundu set out to look for faults. I
walked into town looking for a 100 Amp fuse. Found it. Upon return Mpundu had removed
the faulty fuse. He opened up the alternator and checked wiring and brushes.
Disappeared to look for new brushes with my Kwacha 30,000. Came back, put some
tape here and there at loose connections. Put the battery on the charger, things
seemed ok, dropped down a bill of Kwacha 295,000. That is what a maid makes in
an entire month. Brought it down to 250,000 – his bills are drafted in
anticipation of negotiations.
Following day continue with malaria pills and
checking of the car electrical system. Seems things work only half/half. Phone
Mpundu with request for re-check. Put the charger on again, think maybe the
battery was not charged enough. Check bulbs, replace two, at night everything
works. Eat, take malaria pills, go to bed.
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| Charging them pills........ |
Morning, this
Thursday morning, start the car, it does so with difficulty, the electric power
has dropped. Ok, keep it running for a while. Am out of malaria pills and still
need more for tonight. To doctor Jain, just two blocks away. Walk or drive? Opt
for drive; following doctor Jain I may then revisit Mpundu & take care of
some other chores. I drive but fortunately am sane enough to go with gardener
Kim. At doctor Jain I am requested to show box of now depleted medicine. Need
to go back home. Get in car, car won’t start. Get some guys to push – it is a
no no. Now even the indicators on the panel won’t come on screen. Park the car
at doctor Jain, walk home, retrieve packaging, walk to clinic, get more
Coartem. Walking into the clinic I had seen some men slashing the long grass
along the road – we are in the rainy season. Send Kim to fetch them for the get-the-car-home
pushing job. They come and push. Most of the road fortunately has a slight
downward slope. Relieved to be at the gate, park the car. Give each man Kwacha
5,000; which pleases them very much. It is enough for a lunch at the market. That
also made me feel better; to see that one bad luck produces a good luck
somewhere along the line. The waiting now is for Mpundu, the old fox.
