Well Drilling Project

As we continue to progress on the JTP, I have begun looking into other important aspects of our project that in my mind are critical to the success of the project. If our mission is to change the lives of the people in Burundi, access to clean water (among other things I’ve mentioned in previous postings) is essential.

After contacting several organizations that drill wells in Africa and hearing that none work in Burundi, I began to pray about a possible solution. God never ceases to amaze me as He has connected me now to 3 individuals who are all passionate about clean water in Africa. The first is Cliff from Wellspring Africa. Cliff devised a manual drilling system over 20 years ago that he has fielded to many African countries. He recently sent me a CD with information on how to build the equipment and drill wells with it.

After I found out about Cliff, I met AJ, an environmental engineer, who lives in Orlando and works for Lifenet. AJ has experience with clean water projects in Cambodia and is very excited about working on a project in Burundi. We plan to meet this week to discuss our initial research into this project. Shortly after meeting AJ, I was introduced to Derek, who is an engineer and has well drilling experience. Derek also has an interest in clean water projects for Burundi.

Look for more information and eventually pictures as Jean Marie and I progress on this important aspect of our humanitarian project.

John

 

“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Mark 11:23-24

Progress at the JTP

Jean Marie visited the JTP recently and found that 95% of the cuttings the farmers planted have germinated. This is great news and provides us with an excellent start. The picture below is of one of the seedlings that were planted and the second photo is of a cutting.

Here is an update from Jean Marie:

This Wednesday, I just returned from visiting the Cibitoke JTP. It was the first unique and longest trip. I left home at 08h00; when I reached the bus, I waited for almost 3 and half hours for the bus to be filled with passengers and take us to Cibitoke. I reached the JTP at 13h30. All the seedlings grow and look healthy and nice. Some of the cuttings did not germinate; around 95% germinated and look nice as well.

The average size of the plants which came out of the seeds, this means the average size of the seedlings is 13 cm to 18 cm.

I left the plantation at 14h00 after talking with workers; then took a bike to the bus station. I entered into the bus and spent 1h30 before the bus was able to take us to Bujumbura, after the last passenger getting into it.

What also pleasing is to see the orange trees that were planted during our project “Raise up a New generation: Our children for peace, human rights, development and reconciliation”

One of these trees has a unique story. It has many oranges as you can see on the pictures. Its owner had never sold any oranges at the market; but one buyer bought if from him at 150 $USA; after a short period, another buyer bought it from the first one at 180$USA; then the third bought 250$USA. The tree still belongs to its original owner.

Lastly, I have been working on some ideas regarding clean water projects. I will provide an update on that in the next few weeks.

John

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“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Mark 11:23-24

Looking for Land in Makamba

We are now 2 months into our Jatropha Test Plantation project in the Cibitoke province. Jean Marie has been searching for an area for expansion. Here is his update:

“From 21-24^th of August, I, my secretary and two children went to Makamba, one of our jatropha targeted provinces. The exact place is into the village called Kinoso, in Kabuye zone, Makamba commune and Makamba province; it is not far from the main city of Makamba . Our aim was to investigate on the possibilities of setting up a jatropha plantation as planned. We found the land and there is a possibility of extending it in case it is less than needed.

Also workers and water for irrigation are available but we will need to build a dam to capture and store that water.

Instead of buying, we decided to rent that land because it is impossible to get the land for free from the government; and we realized that renting would be more appropriate, cheap and benefic for both sides, SHINE and the landlord.”

The land is 26 hectares or about 67 acres. Our goal is to secure the land next year to begin preparing it for planting in July 2010.

Below, Jean Marie (second from right) surveys the land.

In an effort to research techniques that we can use to help this effort in Burundi, I am now searching for a 1 acre plot of land in Orlando where I can plant Jatropha Curcas and process the seed. My daughter Elizabeth will be helping with this project.

There is much work ahead of us, but God continues to give us strength to push forward. Thank you for your prayers regarding this project.

John

 

“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Mark 11:23-24