Howdy. You may have contributed to the construction of the Catrigandí water system, and it´s high time I give an update. Here goes.
Well. We had planned to build a small system for the immediate community. I had tried working with the larger town which includes several “communities,” but it seemed to be in vain, so I gave up and just asked for money to build the small system. Less headache, more water. Then, it seems, God got involved. One thing led to another and here is the current situation.
This tank will require us to construct a concrete base, but everyone was elated that we just managed to get it up on the mountain.
The small system will be constructed just as promised, but rather than being independent, it will be connected to a larger system that will serve not 15 but 123+ homes; the excess will just overflow into the community tank. The tank is a recently donated 20,000 gallon metal tank courtesy of the legislator, reportedly worth $32,000, and already in place. There is a $25,000 proposal circulating through the Ministry of Health at the national level to replace/enlarge all the tubing and connect a couple more springs (please pray for that one), and the governor has given his word to supply anything else needed, so that should have us covered. This seems to be a case of loaves and fishes, and although we didn´t expect to be so busy with what started as a small project, we´re grateful for this opportunity to strengthen our relationships in our community.
We protected the ends of the tubing with a homemade sled. That´s Isnel and little Luris, our closest neighbors, in the foreground.
Every Monday at about 7:30 a truckload of guys comes in to meet those that have already walked to my house, 20 or more in all. From there, we hike and horseback up into the mountain, each carrying his own tool and hopefully something to pacify his tummy at noon.
Quinto Fria, another neighbor
The path was opend with machetes on the first day, so now it´s just digging, gluing tubing, and covering in back up, 2 feet deep. Why so deep? There´s no frost line. 2 reasons: 1) There is a moisture line. In the summer, the ground can dry and cracks open up big enough for you to stick a foot into. That shrinkage (on the surface) could pull a union apart. 2) “Winter” aka the rainy season. For the sections that run through pasture in particular, a pathway for cattle and horses can turn into a treacherous, deep mudhole. And although we do everything to avoid high traffic areas, some traffic and erosion is unavoidable. It´s a lot of work, but what price can we put on a secure supply of clean water?
If you don´t have plans for Oct. 1st, come on out to FaithFest in Winder, GA. Give us a holler.
Blessings,
alan
