Dam Project
In the past, St. Albert’s Mission Hospital has drawn its water from three deep wells. But because of a long-running drought, those wells are nearly dry. Dr. Tarira will have to close the hospital unless she finds an alternative water supply.
Dr. Tarira is solving the problem by building a dam on land donated to the hospital by a neighboring farmer about five years ago. The hospital was given about 100 hectares (247 acres) that is now being farmed. The dam will be built on a non-arable portion of that land (about 25 ha, or about 62 acres). Elizabeth described the project in an October email:
“The dam is being built just behind the field of the hospital about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) away. We have hired a constructor of dams and we have also engaged an engineer to supervise the work. The dam can be completed by the end of December if I get enough funds. Otherwise, it will be left halfway and be completed when I get money, but by January the work must be completed. This is called testing the Divine providence. All I know is that God will assist.”
Total cost of the dam project: |
US$269,230 |
Amount raised as of 11 Oct. 2004*: |
US$154,246 |
Balance: |
US$114,948 |
*Donations made by friends in Italy, the USA and elsewhere.
Money raised for the dam and water project will pay for cement, pipes, a gate valve, quarry stones, diesel fuel, machinery, other supplies and the contractor.
For an idea of costs:
One liter (about 1 quart) of diesel fuel costs Elizabeth US$0.90, and she needs 20,000 liters.
One pocket (bag) of cement costs US$20.00. Elizabeth needs 3,000 pockets.
