This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer James Blaine Byers. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to provide water to the labor ward and delivery room of the clinic.
James reports:
The project to extend the water supply to inside the Medina Serigne Mass Health Center has been completed.
After receiving the money, all materials were purchased according to the quotes supplied earlier. After purchase, my counterpart and I traveled back to the village to begin the installation.
My counterpart, Lamin Hydra, assisted in the installation of the original water system, so pipes were easily located. A trench was dug from the existing water line to the labor ward building. Once exposed, the pipe was severed outside the compound wall and the 45 degree pipe tee was installed.
The wash basin was installed inside the ward and drainage was piped into the existing septic tank. When all PVC cement had cured, the supply valves were opened and the system was charged, revealing no problems. The pipes were then reburied.
The day after installation, Government Health Ministry officials arrived at the Health Center with a replacement for the current health officer, Mustapha Touray. Community representatives came to protest, saying that they were in the process of improving the health center to align with the abilities of Mustapha. They were able to point to the newly installed indoor water supply in the labor ward as evidence. This enabled them to hold off the replacement and keep Mustapha installed in the post.
Thank you for supporting this simple but very effective project.
We, in turn, extend our thanks to James for implementing this excellent project. We again express our gratitude to Jacqueline Chan for providing the funds in honor of Heather and Steve Cockwell.
