Progress

Often when traveling we have conversations with the people on the plane. Being involved in the “Well-to-Do” project is a good ice-breaker. While getting some exercise Marty “just happened” to chat with a fellow from Norway whose job takes him to Kenya every few weeks. When he’s there he gets involved with a missions organization that digs wells!! So he shared a lot of wisdom and advise and gave us his e-mail details. Ultimately we have corresponded and he has given us contacts with a well-drilling organization in Kenya.

IT'S MORE THAN JUST A HOLE IN THE GROUND!!!

Geological Survey: After a few delays (that’s life in Kenya) we were able to have the geological survey on the land where the well is intended. The geologist and two assistants came with the terra meter (an electrical instrument that analizes the soil make up and the kind of rocks on the land, as well as if there are any underground water supplies). They push metal probes, which are attached to a wire, into the ground every few yards for 100 yards on an axis from the machine and it collects and graphs the data based on resistivity. We have received the report and there is water and it is deep enough to be good for human consumption! (Estimated at between 80 and 120 meters.) From the data we also know what kind of rock is there, which determines what type of drill rig to use (hard rock requires a different rig from soft rock).

Well-digging Permit: We got a letter from the Assistant Chief of the tribe in whose village the well will be located. The letter verifies the ownership of the land where the well will be drilled. We had to have the letter in order to apply for the well-digging permit from the local government.

We have applied for the permit - which takes a few weeks to process.

The next step is to find the best drilling company for our money. We have several names to contact. The contractor digs the well and also puts in the casing as he drills.

After the well is drilled we must buy the proper pump and a generator. Then a tower must be constructed and a holding tank put atop it. We will also build a fence around the well to enhance security.


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