Well, today we saw the remaining three facilities where Hands to Honduras is hoping to provide clean water. It is exhausting for us to see these facilities...its hot, and we are trying to gather and process as much information as we can. We don't want to miss something or forget something. So, we are working with a checklist and with forms at each site.
We started out the day meeting with the contractor at the Rehab Center. The thinking was we could install the system there easily because a new water storage system was just installed there (the building is only 2 years old). Well, its never easy and it seems the safest and simplest thing to do is redesign their water system. So, we designed it and when it is done they should have clean water and hot water. Unfortunately, its not going to happen while we are here, but hopefully soon after.We’ll see!
After the Rehab Center we visited three more schools, each with their own set of technical challenges but the one thing they all have in common is the lack of maintenance. When something breaks or stops working, they just don’t do anything about it. Even lights, a light bulb can be blown out & they won’t replace it even if they have extras. Maintaining a facility is just not part of the culture. As Jeff says, “The engineering is easy part.” For these projects figuring out how to install a system that will be cared for is the hard part.
At one school we visited, Hands to Honduras installed a pump and pressure tank last January. The system is functioning, but has leaks that no one has thought to take care of. The adults in charge all seem very interested and want clean water for their students. They know it is making them sick. For us, it is very difficult to provide something that we think will be effective long term. We need to empower the people to provide clean water by maintaining any system that we purchase and install.
We have met a civil engineering student, George, who was born in Tela and says he will die here. He seems dedicated to helping with these problems and he is young and forward thinking. We hope that George will help us to bridge the cultural gap that is preventing these fixes from having a long term impact.
So, enough of the posturing…time to get back to work! I’ve included some pictures below from today. More soon!
After the Rehab Center we visited three more schools, each with their own set of technical challenges but the one thing they all have in common is the lack of maintenance. When something breaks or stops working, they just don’t do anything about it. Even lights, a light bulb can be blown out & they won’t replace it even if they have extras. Maintaining a facility is just not part of the culture. As Jeff says, “The engineering is easy part.” For these projects figuring out how to install a system that will be cared for is the hard part.
At one school we visited, Hands to Honduras installed a pump and pressure tank last January. The system is functioning, but has leaks that no one has thought to take care of. The adults in charge all seem very interested and want clean water for their students. They know it is making them sick. For us, it is very difficult to provide something that we think will be effective long term. We need to empower the people to provide clean water by maintaining any system that we purchase and install.
We have met a civil engineering student, George, who was born in Tela and says he will die here. He seems dedicated to helping with these problems and he is young and forward thinking. We hope that George will help us to bridge the cultural gap that is preventing these fixes from having a long term impact.
So, enough of the posturing…time to get back to work! I’ve included some pictures below from today. More soon!
Water bubbling out of the JFK water system
A child taking a drink at Jubilados School, the water runs continually during the day & is the only free source of drinking/wash water.
The store at Jubilados School where children who have money can purchase sugary snacks & pepsi products (maintained by pepsi) - we also saw one of these at JFK School.
E.coli test from Rehab Center shows positive for bacteria including e.coli.
Water sample from Jazmin, collected on same day & analyzed at same time as Rehab Center. Negative for bacteria, but I still wouldn't drink it! Our field test is more of an "it's definitely there test", to know if it is safe for drinking we would need to do duplicates and perform a more rigorous analysis.
2 comments:
Parm and Jeff - what important work and a valuable trip. I hope you'll find a way to tell us all more about it when you come back - a house party (I could host) to garner support and increase understanding, show slides, etc.? Look forward to hearing more when we see you. Best, be safe, and buen viaje! Valerie
Thanks for the updates and photos, Parm! It sounds like you're really making a difference there. Where are the two of you getting your own drinking water?? Take care and enjoy the rest of your trip. Gail
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