 |
My primary project in Chitipa became the construction
of shallow wells with rural communities. All of the wells were hand dug,
and ranged from 2 - 6 meters (6.5 ft. - 20 ft.) in depth. All of the wells
were constructed during the driest part of the year to ensure that water
would be available throughout the year. The water table does fluctuate
from year to year, so we did our best to provide water even during the
dry years. The process is not perfect, but it serves many people, and provides
a protected water source. |
|
 |
During my first year (1996), the Church of the
Central African Presbyter (CCAP)-Livingstonia provided us with materials
to construct 25 shallow wells. All materials for the 1998 shallow well
project in Chitipa were supplied by the Marion
Medical Mission (over 100 wells were constructed!). |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The project has
each community provide all the locally available materials, while they
supply the cement, pumps, technical and logistic support. In addition,
they train a member of the community, selected by the community, to maintain
the wells within an agreed upon radius. Each community contributes one
90 kg bag of maize (the primary crop) or its equivalent, per year to support
all of the maintenance for one full year. This type of project was unprecedented
in Chitipa. |
 |
 |
|
