This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Tanique Carter. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build a below-ground rainwater harvesting tank to provide for the needs of the students of the Itaja Secondary School.
Tanique reports:
After receiving assistance from Water Charity, the volunteer, and water carpenter bought the following materials to aid in construction: cement, wood, metal wire, nails, bricks and gutters.
Once all materials were transported back to the village, students in forms 3 and 4 dug the hole (8 ft x 10 ft). The digging took approximately 5 days, and then the water carpenters were able to begin construction.
The water carpenters lined the bottom of the tank with large rocks to even the surface, and then layered bricks 10 feet high. The bricks were held together with cement, and after a day of drying, the inside of the tank was completely lined with cement.
The tank was sealed with a cement lid, and then gutters were added above, to capture rain water. A wooden door was placed on the top, so water could be retrieved, and the well is now complete.
The water is now available for the students to use for drinking and cooking. It is also being used for the tree nursery and the permagardens at the school.
We are grateful to Tanique for completing this terrific project. We are also grateful to the Elmo Foundation for providing the major funding for the project.
