This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Matt Klebes. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to purchase and install an electric water pump to provide running water to the Youth Detention Facility and to establish an Organic Farming Center (OFC).
Matt reports:
Our project at the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan has been successfully completed. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and myself purchased the water pump and all necessary equipment and installed the water pump on a cement platform under a small bahay-kubo (small house). The Youth Center now has running water in the kitchen as well as both bathrooms.
It was quite amusing/exciting when we first turned on the pump and everyone ran from room to room to see the running faucets and shower heads. We did have some problems with acquiring the right size connector pieces but any additional costs were covered by the CSWDO.
We were actually able to purchase a panel board instead of a simple fuse box for the pump. While more expensive than what we had budgeted the panel board will better protect the pump from electrical surges and also allowed us to install lighting in the bahay-kubo. Furthermore, as we expand our project the panel board will allow us to buy additional breakers to provide additional electricity.
The running water came at a perfect time because the CSWDO recently held a three day organic gardening training, conducted by Shell, at the Youth Center for about 40 participants.
Our next steps are the construction of a larger building made out of hollow blocks around the water pump. This will better protect it from the elements and will also serve as a storage shed.
We also have plans to construct a ferro-cement water tank, outdoor piggery and an outdoor classroom. The ferro-cement water tank will be connected to the water pump and collect rainwater from the piggery and classroom roofs.
I want to thank you and everyone at Appropriate Projects, on behalf of everyone here at the CSWDO and future clients of the Youth Rehabilitation Center, for your assistance!
Maraming Salamat Po!! (Thank you very much Sir/Ma’am)
We wish to thank Matt for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding.
