This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Erica Locher. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to install an electric water pump at the primary school in order to pump water from the school’s well into an above-ground tank.
Erica reports:
The first step in making our dream of installing a water pump in Alita was going out and buying the pump and other materials. Once purchased, an engineer from a nearby plantation cooperative helped us with the installation of the pump.
Once the pump was installed the president of the parent’s association and another parent fixed the water lines so that the sinks in the school’s patio will always have running water available.
Also our team installed the drip-irrigation system using PVC tubes, valves for controlling water flow and thin “tapes” which have holes every 30 centimeters in order to water the mini-orchard of fruit trees on the school grounds. Now, all we have to do is flip the switch and the trees are all watered automatically so neither the kids nor the parents have to water with buckets.
Also, the children have a constant water source to wash their hands after the use the bathrooms, after recess and before eating their snacks.
Erica reports on how the project was received by the community and the school:
The community is very excited about the project. The parents have expressed gratitude that the students are able to wash their hands when needed and that they no longer lose any time in the classroom watering the trees.
Also, the community members that live near the school are very content that they can easily take water out of the well with the pump instead of having to haul out the water in buckets.
I want to thank you again for all your help making the dream of my community a reality.
Thanks again to Ken Howells and the friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Erica Locher for providing the funding for this project.
