More From Vanuatu 2023
During this trip, Brian Marshall and Owen Kinsela were able to complete the building of the toilet block; much to the delight
of the ladies.
Brian writes that for the first time they now have a flush toilet and wash basin that they can do washing in. This is much better than the bucket they have been using
and they are very grateful.
The village is situated in the bush, about an hour from Port Vila on Efate Island. The last 30 minutes of the journey is 4WD only and very rough going.
When it’s wet the road is often unusable. This has been the case on several trips and we were unable to get materials delivered out there to get the job done.
Fortunately, this time we were able to take many materials out on the 4WD ute we hired.
Vanuatu Project Report 2017
This report relates to the financial grant of $3,325 from LifeNets Australia as per the application made by Derek Lewis on 18 September 2017. The grant was to fund the construction of a timber shelter with a tarpaulin roof and also to purchase a new 3,000 litre water tank for ongoing use by the local community.
I’m pleased to report that the project was completed as per the application. All funds were utilised. A generator, other tools and lights etc. were funded via donations from a United Church of God congregation in South East Queensland.
The shelter, 12 metres by 7 metres was erected over four days. Brian Marshall from Burpengary in Queensland led the building initiative and was well supported by Lloyd Bourke of Townsville. Some local Vanuatuans from the local community assisted them.
The water tank is a perfect size for group meetings. With the nearest water accessible via a steep decline and a 150 metre walk, the tank will be a wonderful ongoing blessing to the community in the area.
The shelter is very functional and provides enough room for 75 people, perhaps a few more. It was built on a rural property held via a long term lease by a local community leader, namely John Wesley. The property is located some 40 minute drive north-west of Port Villa, Efate. The local area there is referred to as the “Teouma Bush”. The size of the property is estimated to be about 5 hectares.
It’s a timber frame structure with solid concrete foundations built to take a tarpaulin roof which can be removed before large tropical storms/cyclones, which are common there.
The structure is very much fit for purpose and would likely survive a large storm, category 1 or 2 or even perhaps a category 3 cyclone. It was built with the intention to last 10 years plus and considering the construction this would seem to be a reasonable expectation. It may or may not survive a category 4 or 5 cyclone, however this was not part of the brief/plan. Note that in that particular community, during a cyclone, it would likely be the last structure to blow down as the housing there is much more flimsy.
It’s very much a case of ‘well done’ Brian and Lloyd! This was a job with many challenges, in a remote location, in a foreign land and they got it done right on time and to a high standard! The site is now very suitable for ongoing community use.
The Vanuatuan community is very thankful for the generous assistance from LifeNets Australia and I would like to thank the LifeNets Management Committee on their behalf.
It’s very much a case of ‘well done’ Brian and Lloyd! This was a job with many challenges, in a remote location, in a foreign land and they got it done right on time and to a high standard!
Derek Lewis
