As I said in my last journal, this week will give us some indication where this project is going. Sure enough we had quite an exciting week. After I made my rounds in the community on Sunday we started the week on Monday on a positive note. We laid in the first block on Monday morning and in five days we had quite a nice progress.
On Monday afternoon I had another meeting with the elders and Prosper regarding the making of the remaining of the 2000 blocks. It was a very interesting conversation by which I felt that finally the token fell, the phone rang and the massage went through: without making the blocks ASAP we are not going to meet the schedule. It was a very candid conversation by which the elders revealed their plan to make blocks – it did not have a check with reality. At this point it was clear that the elders will not be able to bring the community with larger enough numbers to make the blocks. It was a moment of truth. On our way home Prosper told me that without much choice he will bring his apprentices to make the blocks. It took a few days but on Friday the apprentices came and started to make the blocks. It will take about a week to finish molding the additional 2000 blocks and another week to dry out.
I also realized that if I want to build a toilet system, I need an outside help to excavate the large septic tank. In the evening, I went together with one of the city engineers, to the Mayor’s home.
It was a good discussion. I will need to submit a request to the Assembly for approval of the septic tank excavation and the Mayor didn’t see any reason why it will not be approved in spite the fact that it is not in his budget. New furniture for the new school will not happen at this time,maybe in about six months.
On Thursday I received my first 100 Cement bags and the balance on Friday. It took some doing and coordination on my behalf but I have made it.
On Tuesday I submitted a request for the excavation and was surprised to see my letter with many approved signatures in the hands of the city engineers when they come to visit me on the site the next day. They keep telling me that it will not take too long before the final approval will be given. But in Africa time has a different dimension than in the Western world. I hope that it will happen next week.
So, things are moving along and it looks like we have a chance to make it happen. The time is short and there is a lot to do. Hopefully no more surprises.
Hi:
This is the most fantastic report and tops all the great ones you wrote before. You have done such an exceptional difference in the life of these children. Donating to Pagus is fully rewarded.
Thank you for all tha you and Shifra are doing.
Sal