Day 3: Lunching with Zebras

So Ellis says I need to talk some about the tower now.

PROJECT RECAP:

One Day 1, much time was spent throughout the day explaining to the local team how the process would proceed to erect the tower, how to put on safety harnesses, how to use the tools we brought and where to use particular tower hardware (often through trial and error as our guys are immune to written instructions).  They stressed the importance of hardhats, harnesses and lanyards, as well as when and where it was safe to tie off (sometimes using a “do as I say, not as I do” methodology.  I’m looking at you, Craig).

The team hit the ground running by using leveling plates to get all column bases on the same plane, then standing the first columns and bracing them loosely.  They then confirmed everything was plumb and square and permanently tightened all the bolts. 

On the second level, temporary flooring was laid from the platform grating, then the first column was set. The permanent ladder was bolted to the first level for easier access.  The second level was assembled using ladders and muscle as all structural members were handed up.  All floor grating was then moved to the top of the second level, a second section of permanent ladder was installed and the crane was pulled up and set on one corner.  The crane could then be used to raise and install the three columns on the third level. 

The race to the top was on!  One column was successfully lifted, then “Bam!”  We tripped and faceplanted.  The jack that operated the boom looked like a winner.  But, alas, our brand new, shiny, red, 3 ton hydraulic double piston long ram jack wouldn’t hold any pressure.  (Insert sounds of Coleman teeth gnashing as progress grinds to a halt.)

The jack was bled.  Air escaped.  No improvement.  It was disassembled--hydraulic fluid added—and reassembled.  No improvement.  It was bled again at which time Craig shot a stream of our precious hydraulic fluid all over Chifu—a Water Mission technician.   Grrrr.  Time for plan B.  We would have to fix the boom in place and manufacture a bracket to hold it in place.  Ellis quickly designed it and Nesbert fabricated.  Nothing was lost but time and tooth enamel.

Once we were back on track, we quickly lifted the remaining columns and braces and assembled them.  We moved sections of the platform to the very top, laid the crane on them and called it a day.   

Day 2 began with another challenge.  A standoff bracket for the crane was not among the supplies delivered to Water Mission Malawi, so a replacement had to be fabricated on site.  Luckily, we had the multi-talented Nesbert on hand again to rescue us.  He welded a bracket to Ellis’ specifications that would allow the crane to cantilever off the top platform and free up all area where assemblies were needed.  Once the bracket was complete, it was tedious work at 30’ to bolt it to the platform and several “field adjustments” were necessary.  

After lunch, crane work began again.  The floor beams and joists were raised and installed and a handrail was added.  The team decided to have their handy welding team manufacture a spreader bar to make raising the tank easier.

Nesbert and Ellis with their new standoff bracket

Our new spreader bar

Many of the children had gone home and washed up.  As evening fell, they returned dressed in their best clothes, posing for photos and showing them off to us.  Together we watched the men winch the tank to the top platform and they stood with us clapping and dancing.

Day 3:  The morning of the third day saw the completion of the tower and tank installation with the team centering the tank on the platform, strapping it down, and installing the plumbing and the float switch.  Lastly, we finished the cross bracing providing lateral stability for the second level and removed and packed away the crane for the next project.

While tower assembly was underway, the Water Mission team was also busy installing the water pump and finishing the solar panels and controller for the well.  As they tested the system for the first time, water came out of the open pipe that will ultimately connect to the tank.  The village children played in it and drank it.

The tiny tomato saleswoman

Then there was time for a walkabout town.   Walking through the retail area, there were many family shops selling goods.  Sam bought four Coca-Colas from a small convenience store.  There was a fishmonger and a tailor.  At the vegetable market, a mother sent her shy little girl over to sell tomatoes to Craig, the tall, pale azungu.  Despite her brave efforts, there was no sale.  Unfortunately, Craig doesn’t eat vegetables.

The fish vendor

Buying Cokes

The tailor and his family

Lunch was taken at Kuti Wildlife Reserve back in Salima.  They have zebras, giraffe, vervet monkeys and many types of antelope.  Fortunately, none of them were on the menu.  Instead, we enjoyed BBQ chicken and rice in the shade of the thatched roof main hall.  A bicycle ride around the reserve yielded some close views of the zebras and monkeys, but no giraffe or antelope were in sight.  We weren’t exactly sneaky, which may have contributed to the disappearance of the animals. 

The day ended with a long drive to our next "home" in Liwaladzi.