This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Katie Potter. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to repair a broken hand pump at the Lower Basic School in Kouli Kunda.
Katie reports:
The Kouli Kunda LBS pump project is finished!
As soon as we received the funds to purchase the parts we needed to repair the hand pump at the Lower Basic School in Kouli Kunda, we quickly began work. The school’s garden master Mr. Lamin Njie and water inspector Dudu Barrow found replacement parts for the head, chain, and bearings set within our budget and transported them to Kouli Kunda.
After a second look, it was determined that the current handle was in good condition and the money designated for the handle could be better used to purchase new rubber pieces for a cylinder at the end of the pipe.
A team of community members from both Kouli Kunda and the nearby village Jamar met at the school to help reinstall the pipes and replace the broken parts.
Once the pieces were put together, it was time for the moment of truth. Community members, teachers, and students alike waited anxiously while Dudu started moving the handle. After about a minute, water started flowing and everyone rushed to the pump to play in the water. Students lined up in the evening to fill their buckets to water the school’s garden beds.
This project became a success because of the hard work of everyone involved. Communication between Dudu Barrow, Mr. Lamin Njie, and myself was key throughout this project to maintain the budget and ensure correct parts were being purchased.
Members of the community collectively would like to thank everyone who helped donate money and make this project a success. Everyone is overjoyed with the outcome!
We are grateful to Katie for the timely completion of this project, and again wish to thank her friends and family for providing the funding.