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Document 522-Post Assessment Report Rev. 09-2011 University of Alaska Anchorage Rhema Grace Orphanage, Cameroon Current Water System Optimization, Water Filtration, and Health

Document 522

POST-ASSESSMENT REPORT

CHAPTER: University of Alaska Anchorage

COUNTRY: Cameroon

COMMUNITY: Rhema Grace Orphanage

PROJECT: Current Water System

Optimization, Water Filtration, and Continued

Health Assessment

TRAVEL DATES: 8/02/2011-8/20/2011

PREPARED BY:

Students: Ryan Johnston, Sean Hovorka, and Patricia Peshel

Mentors: Chuck Stilwell, Nancy Hibbert, and John Pepe

June 20, 2011

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS-USA

www.ewb-usa.org


Table of Contents

Administration Information Part 1 1.0 Contact Information

2.0 Travel History

3.0 Travel Team

4.0 Health and Safety

5.0 Budget

5.1 Cost

5.2 Donors and Funding

5.3 Hours

6.0 Project Discipline

7.0 Project Location

8.0 Project Impact

9.0 Mentor Resumes

Technical Information Part 2 1.0 Introduction

2.0 Program Background

3.0 Trip Description

4.0 Community Information

4.1 Description of Community

4.2 Community/NGO Resources and Constraints

4.3 Community Relations

4.4 Community Priorities

5.0 Data Collection Analysis

5.1 Summary of Data

5.1.1 Current Water System and Electricity

5.1.2 Assessed condition upon arrival

5.1.3 Current Electrical Load

5.1.4 Future Generator Room and Grid Connection

5.1.5 Electrical Materials and Code Standards

5.1.6 Current Water Treatment Practices

5.1.7 Health Assessment

5.2 Community Contacts

5.3 Mapping

6.0 Monitoring

6.1 Monitoring of past-implemented projects

7.0 Community Agreement/Contract


Table of Contents Continued

8.0 Photo Documentation

8.1 Current Water System and Electrical Assessment

8.2 Health and Water Assessment

9.0 Project Feasibility

10.0 Lessons Learned

11.0 Project Status

12.0 Mentor Assessment

12.1 Professional Mentor/Technical Lead Name

12.2 Professional Mentor/Technical Lead Affirmation

13.0 Appendices

Appendix A: Mentor Resumes

Appendix B: O&M for Water and Generator Operation

Appendix C: Exact Measurement of Orphanage

Appendix D: General Current Water System Notes

Appendix E: Moving Electrical Lines from Main Building

Appendix F: New Generator Room Design

Appendix G: Project Contract

Appendix H: Material Assessment Photos

Appendix I: Water Filtration Notes


Page 1

Post-Assessment Report Part 1 – Administrative

Information

1.0 Contact Information

Title Name Email Phone Chapter

Project Lead Jarrod Nelson [email protected] 907-654-0044 EWB-UAA

President Kris

Homerding

[email protected] 907-947-2260 EWB-UAA

Mentor #1 Nancy Hibbert [email protected] 907-360-3279 EWB-SCA

Mentor #2 Chuck Stilwell

PE

[email protected] 406-491-1129 EWB-SCA

Mentor #3 John Pepe PE [email protected] 907-360-3279 EWB-SCA

Faculty Advisor Aaron Dotson

PE

[email protected] 907-786-6041 EWB-UAA

Health & Safety

Officer

Tim Samuelson [email protected] 301-859-9671 EWB-UAA

NGO/Community

Contact

Steve Tataw [email protected] 77 20 35 89 EWB-UAA

Education Lead Nancy Hibbert [email protected] 907-360-3279 EWB-SCA

2.0 Travel History

Dates of

Travel

Assessment or

Implementation

Description of Trip

August

2009 Assessment

Collect information sufficient to develop a plan, based on needs

identified by the orphanage and the goals of EWB, which can be

developed into an engineered design that could be implemented in

two weeks, one year later.

August

2010

Assessment &

Implementation

Constructed an efficient wood burning cook stove to reduce the

inhalation of smoke, collected information (pertaining to the daily

water supply and usage) sufficient to develop a plan that could be

implemented in August 2011, conducted a health assessment to later

gauge the success of the overall project, and developed a

mailto:[email protected]








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maintenance program within the orphanage.

August

2011

Assessment &

Implementation

Constructed a water catchment system and erosion control drainage

system. Collected information pertaining to the current well water

distribution system (to include the electrical system operating the

well and Orphanage), water filtration system, and continued health

assessment. The information gathered on each system will provide

needed information to develop a plan for implementation in August

of 2012.

3.0 Travel Team

# Name E-mail Phone Chapter Student or

Professional 1 Sean Hovorka

[email protected] 970-901-1453 EWB-UAA Student

2 Kirk Louthan


3 Ryan Johnston


4 Patricia A.

Peshel


5 Nancy Hibbert

[email protected] 907-360-3279 EWB-SCA Professional

6 Chuck Stilwell

PE

[email protected] 406-491-1129 EWB-SCA Professional

4.0 Health and Safety

4.1 Travel Safety

No health or safety issues occurred on this trip

5.0 Budget

5.1 Cost

Excess or contingency expenses incurred by team members during project activities did not

exceed $1,000 per traveler. Travelers met the associate travel costs using out-of-pocket funds;

potential reimbursement is available through ongoing chapter fundraising activities.







Page 3

Table 1. Estimated project related costs for 3 student travelers

Expense Cost

Airfare $9,000

Ground Transportation $3,400

Food and Lodging $1,800

Project Materials $7,650

Travel Expenses $2,500

Miscellaneous $650

Total $25,000

5.2 Donors and Funding

Table 2. Deposited donations 2011 to present

Donor Name Type (private, in-kind,

company, foundation) Account Kept

at EWB-USA

Amount

Rotary International (Restricted Funds) Foundation No $15,000.00

BP Matching Grant Foundation Yes $6000.00

GrassRoots Fair Trade Company No $182.00

EDC Inc. Company No $1,000.00

Event (No Shave November) Private No $316.00

RFN Management, Inc. (Rotary) Private No $100.00

V.M. Montemezzani (Rotary) Private No $150.00

Event (Thursday Night Fights) Private No $390.00

Event (Battle of the Beards) Private No $90.00

Gail French (Corporate Matching) Company Yes $100.00

BP Fabric of America Fund Foundation Yes $300.00

Total Amount Raised: $23,628.00

5.3 Hours (January 2011– May 2011)

Member Number of

Weeks

Hours Per

Week

Individual Totals

Aaron Dotson 21 1.0 21.0

Austin Stewart 21 1.0 21.0

Brittany Barkshire 21 2.0 42.0

Chuck Stillwell 21 1.5 31.5

Jaime Bronga 21 1.0 21.0

James Renovatio 21 1.5 31.5


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Jarrod Nelson 21 5.0 100.0

Jeanne Kemp 21 0.5 10.5

Kelsey Coolidge 21 0.5 10.5

Kirk Louthan 21 2.0 42.0

Kris Homerding 21 6.0 126.0

Michael Ulmgren 21 1.5 31.5

Nancy Hibbert 21 1.5 31.5

Patricia A. Peshel 12 10.0 120.0

Paul Kelly 12 0.5 6.0

Robert Champion 21 1.0 21.0

Ryan Johnston 12 6.5 78.0

Sean Hovorka 21 6.5 136.5

Seth Campbell 21 0.5 10.5

Tim Samuelson 21 2.5 52.5

Utpal Dutta 21 0.5 10.5

Total 955.0

6.0 Project Discipline(s): Check the specific project discipline(s) addressed in this

report. Check all that apply.

Water Supply

____ Source Development

__X_Water Storage

_ X_Water Distribution

__X_Water Treatment

__X_Water Pump

Sanitation

____ Latrine

____ Gray Water System

____ Black Water System

Structures

____ Bridge

____ Building

Civil Works

____ Roads

__X_Drainage

____ Dams

Energy

____ Fuel

__X_Electricity

Agriculture ____ Irrigation Pump

____ Irrigation Line

____ Water Storage

____ Soil Improvement

____ Fish Farm

____ Crop Processing

Equipment

Information Systems

____ Computer Service


Page 5

7.0 Project Location

Longitude: 9.3680556; 9° 22' 5" E

Latitude: 4.0786111; 4° 4' 43" N

Mailing address of Rhema Grace Orphanage:

P.O Box 1016 Limbe

Fako Division

South West Region

Cameroon – West Africa

8.0 Project Impact

Number of persons directly affected: 54 children and 17 full and part-time employees

and volunteers at the orphanage

Number of persons indirectly affected: the same, but also there is potential impact due

to technology and education transfer in the nearby village of Tiko.

9.0 Mentor Resume(s) – Please see Appendix A for all Mentor resumes.


Page 6

Pre-Assessment Report Part 2 – Technical Information

1.0 Introduction

In August 2011, four student members of EWB-UAA and two advisors traveled to Rhema Grace

Orphanage in Ombe, Cameroon to assess the condition of the current water system, possible

water filtration options, and health (both at the orphanage and surrounding community). The

members also assessed material and services availability and costs, ownership and sustainability,

and the condition of the previous completed projects. The 521 Pre-Assessment Report identifies

the topics assessed. Finally, several additional tasks were completed which will facilitate the

success of future projects, including: further evaluated the most critical needs of the orphanage;

identifying a core group of individuals who can manage and maintain projects; and finding

reliable and competent contacts within the community who could provide local information once

the club members returned to Alaska.

This 522 document provides information on the assessment portion of the trip, and will be

complemented by a 526, summarizing the implementation of the water catchment system and

drainage/erosion flood control system.

2.0 Program Background

This background is provided for the assessment of the potential future projects involving water

system improvements and reliable access to clean drinking water. This assessment will be the

third for EWB-UAA and will be performed concurrently with the construction of a water

catchment system and site drainage/erosion control system.

The project was initially described by Peter Njodzeka of the Life and Water Development Group

and proposed to EWB-USA. At that time, the orphanage was called St. Marks Orphanage. Since

then the name has been changed to the Rhema Grace Orphanage. EWB-UAA applied for and

was awarded the project described as kitchen and water improvements.

3.0 Trip Description

Four students and two advisors traveled to Cameroon, Africa in August of 2011 to aid in the

implementation of a water catchment system and on site drainage/erosion flooding control. In

addition to the implementation projects we also conducted three assessments to include: current

water system optimization, water filtration options, and overall health of the orphanage and

surrounding community. This document will focus primarily on the assessment portions of the

project.


Page 7

For planning the assessment portion of the trip, EWB-UAA completed a 521 Pre-Assessment

Report (Travel Date: August 2011, submitted to EWB-USA June 20, 2011). This report along

with associated questionnaires and checklists guided assessment activities. The major areas of

assessment from the 521 were: Current Water System Optimization, Water Filtration Options,

and Health.

The assessment included three primary information-gathering methods: observation,

interviews/discussion, and measurement and data collection. Observations along with interviews

and discussions were helpful to determine the how future projects could benefit the orphanage

and community. Measurements were taken to provide a more accurate layout of the orphanage.

Data was taken from water samples to determine the condition of the sources of water the

orphanage and community drink from. Data was also collected for the health portion of the

assessment and provided insight for the overall health of the orphanage and surrounding

community. The group also conducted market assessment to determine the availability of

supplies in the country.

Early in the trip, we met with the management of the orphanage and key members of the

surrounding Ombe to further discuss their most critical needs and how the past projects impacted

their overall quality of life. The five primary critical needs of the orphanage are: school

building/education, own home, more/nutritious food, year round clean water, and electricity.

The five primary needs of the surrounding Ombe village are: safe drinking water source, health

clinic/hospital, electricity, sanitation facilities, and school building/education.

Upon arrival the orphanage had been without their clean drinking source (the well/borehole) for

approximately two to six months. The community has a borehole, a holding tank, and plumbing

to a tap and toilets, but none of it can function without the use of a generator. The condition of

the generator was unreliable and undersized to operate the borehole. The current water system

was assessed and two primary components were found to be in dire need of being replaced

(generator and well pump control). This is discussed in further detail with in section 5.0.

Water samples were taken from the creek and tested at the local Pack Lab laboratories to test for

water contamination. Water samples were taken from the river adjacent to the orphanage, Ombe

river, borehole (once operational), and the implemented water catchment system. This testing is

discussed in further detail in section 5.1.6. The quantitative data provided will help with the

design and implementation of water filtration systems.

Due to the lack of accessibility to clean drinking water the overall health of the orphanage was

being affected and many orphans were becoming ill. Gloria a member of the orphanage became

ill with typhoid and malaria while the group was at the orphanage and was rushed to the hospital.

The health assessment also showed that because the well was inoperable and the orphanage

relied solely on the creek water for drinking.


Page 8

The community and health assessment was conducted by Patricia Peshel, a EWB member and

MPH student in the Public Health Practice program at the University of Alaska Anchorage as

part of her thesis practicum. Health assessment tools developed and utilized to gather data

included a survey, adult interview, child interview, and an observation checklist and notes. All

developed tools were used at the Rhema Grace Orphanage. At the neighboring village of Ombe,

the health assessment survey, adult interview and observational checklist and notes were utilized.

The primary areas of focus were water utilization and hygiene practices. Additional areas

addressed in the study included the following: health status and practices, sanitation practices,

education, socioeconomics, and demographics.

With the help of Mercy Tataw, Alan Ntoko, and Steve Tataw, the group visited shops in both

Douala and Limbe to assess material availability and cost, as summarized in Section 5.2. Prices

were documented in a spreadsheet as well as with photographs. Added elements of the

assessment included electrical service and availability of supplies for water filtration. For the

electrical service, we tried to arrange a meeting with the AES-Sonel; however, we were unable to

meet with them. We did run across a couple of key citizens of Limbe and acquired their email to

further investigate when the orphanage can be connected to grid power.

Overall, the assessment was completed as thoroughly as time permitted. Documentation,

photographs, and spreadsheets were brought back from the trip. AutoCAD drawings will be

updated to provide a more accurate measurement of the general site layout.

4.0 Community Information

4.1 Description of Community

For this assessment, we have identified the ‗community‘ as the Rhema Grace Orphanage. In

August 2011, fifty-four children and 17 full- and part-time employees and volunteers were at

Rhema Grace Orphanage relying on its infrastructure. Mercy Batetataw, the founder and

director, is the only one who lives there full time. The other employees and volunteers live in the

area. The children range in age from infancy to twenty-one years of age.

The Rhema Grace Orphanage is located closest to Mutengene. About 3 km west of Mutengene

on Route N3 there is a dirt road leading south on the east of a river. About 2.5 km south of

Route N3, the Orphanage is located on the east side of the road. It is the first of a number of

buildings after passing through farmland. The name of the orphanage is painted prominently on

the front of the building. There is a small population center (about 250 people) surrounding the

orphanage but it is known by a number of different names and not officially recognized.

According to Mercy, the founder and director of the orphanage, the recent population is diverse

and composed of many tribal groups from other parts of the country. She indicated that the


Page 9

government had recently made inexpensive land available in the area and that is what had drawn

the people from many different areas.

The infrastructure relevant to the community includes 3 km dirt road access from Route N3, a

37m deep borehole, a dormitory, a bathhouse with latrines, and a kitchen structure. The

orphanage‘s infrastructure is located on two adjacent properties, one rented and one owned by

the Orphanage. The dormitory is on the rented land and everything else is on the parcel owned

by the orphanage. The Orphanage owns an additional plot of land towards Route N3 which they

use to raise crops.

The Orphanage grows a portion of the food they need. They would like to raise meats as well but

currently do not have the capacity besides a few chickens. There is a gravel pit about a quarter

mile further down the road that provides crushed stone of different sorted sizes. Agriculture is

the largest employment in the area. The orphanage grows plantains, bananas, squash and other

crops. Palm plantations are common in the area. Limbe has a cement works and there is oil

produced in the area. There is a French refinery about 20 miles away on the coast.

The Orphanage‘s current water system was built in partnership between the Limbe Rotary

Chapter and a Spanish Rotary Chapter. It includes a borehole, a submersible pump, a generator,

an elevated water tank, a tap near the kitchen. The Orphanage also has a bathhouse with latrines.

Wastewater flows to a poured concrete tank underground next to the bathhouse.

The generator donated to the orphanage with the Rotary water system has broken and at the time

of our first assessment had not been repaired. In its place, they are using another smaller

generator to power the pump which appeared is undersized. Before the first generator had

broken, the orphanage found it was difficult to pay for fuel for the generator. The orphanage also

uses the current generator to power a limited number of loads in the dormitory.

Due to the cost of fuel for the generator, the borehole water is only used for drinking and

cooking. Creek water is used for bathing, flushing the latrines, etc. The creek is downstream

from Mutengene, is polluted, and a perceived source of illness in both the orphanage and the

surrounding village. The showers are unused, although they did turn them on for the travel team

in 2011. Water for bathing is heated on the cook stove (implemented last year) in the kitchen.

Aes-Sonel is currently installing electrical poles to bring electricity into the Ombe village.

According to Mercy and a few village members the power should be available within a couple

months. We are investigating this further through in country contacts met on this trip.

Additionally the government is working with the Ombe village to bring city water into the

village. The clean water piping is installed just to the outer edge of the village. The government

is requiring the Ombe village to gather funds to finish the village clean water tap. The Rotary

club of Limbe was interested in offering their monetary support to complete this project and

EWB-UAA will be proactive in facilitating this offer.


Page 10

4.2 Community/NGO Resources and Constraints

The resources of the orphanage are unclear, they seem to change frequently and that can make

planning difficult. As of 2011 information, the orphanage receives some government support. It

is funded partially by the revenue from the directors‘ ministry income and partially by donations

of individuals and business in the local area. In the past, they have received assistance from the

US Navy, Spanish Rotary Chapter, banks and other charitable organizations but these seem to be

one-time donations.

Mercy has an old friend and classmate who is a high-ranking instructor at the police academy

nearby and he helped us with secure transportation and frequently makes things happen for the

orphanage. The organization of the orphanage relies almost entirely on Mercy. The previous

travelers assembled a panel for the purpose of collecting information and ideas but Mercy is

clearly the leader. The older children contribute significantly to the running of the orphanage and

care of the younger children. The employees include a man named Allen who was educated as a

mechanical engineer and we hope to do our work with him close at hand.

Two schoolteachers are also employed in the summer. The rest of the help is not formally

trained, to our knowledge, but provide domestic help. Some of the older children are studying

accounting and management. The orphanage‘s administrative capacity is strained and they

identified this as an area of great need. Pidgin English is spoken in this area and in Limbe but

French is spoken in Douala. The first day in country the 2011 travelers experienced some trouble

communicating but after a day or two they became more accustomed to the accent and could

understand each other. It is important for travelers to speak slowly and with common, simple

words. We have met with a local mason who has his own crew. The orphanage is about 15 miles

from Limbe and 35 miles from Douala. Vendors of construction materials are in both cities.

Traveling this distance can take some time however, due to police stops and crowds/ livestock in

the roads. Our group‘s biggest constraint is time since business is conducted at a slower pace in

Cameroon.

The Limbe Rotary Chapter was a part of the previous water project at the orphanage and has

pledged to assist us in improvements. They can provide business connections in Limbe and be a

link to funding. The travel team attended two Limbe Rotary meetings while visiting, and met

many of the Rotarians. They seem eager to learn about the future projects and willing to assist

with them. These groups have the connections we need to accomplish this project; the key will

be responsiveness. Our group‘s biggest constraint is time and business is conducted at a much

slower pace in Cameroon.


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4.3 Community Relations

The community is the Rhema Grace Orphanage and our primary contact method is via e-mail

with Mercy, the director. We were able to keep continued communication with Mercy and Steve

over the past year and they helped in answering many questions in regards to operational costs

along with the availability of materials in the local area. During the first assessment trip, we

were able to hold discussions with a good cross section of the orphanage from residents to staff

and volunteers.

During this trip, the travelers met with the local clergy, a mason, elders, business people, police,

and the Minister of Social affairs for the region. The clergy tend to the people in the surrounding

population; the mason has done work for the orphanage in the past and would like to help us in

our project. The business people sell materials or are a part of Rotary; Rotary may fund our water

project and has previously drilled a well and constructed a water system at the orphanage.

The police officer who helped us with transport and general information was a high school

classmate of Mercy‘s and is now the head instructor at the nearby commando/police academy.

The Ministry of Social Affairs provides some measure (it is unclear how much) of support for

the orphanage.

Boardman Egbe is a water and wastewater engineer and works for Hydrotechniques Contracting

LTD. Some EWB members met him at a local market and found that he used to be a EWB

member in Texas. He provided good information of being able to determine how soon electricity

will be available to the Ombe village. He also can provide information for an electrical company

to do any future implementation projects for the orphanage. We will be in contact with him via

email.

4.4 Community Priorities

The five primary critical needs of the orphanage

School building/education

Own home

More/nutritious food

Year round clean water

Electricity.

The five primary needs of the surrounding Ombe village

Safe drinking water source

Health clinic/hospital

Electricity

Sanitation facilities

School building/education.


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The rent for the main orphanage building has become a large financial burden for the orphanage.

The owner of the main orphanage building has doubled the required rent because of another

tenant‘s interest in the building. Mercy is paid through December of 2011; however, she is

unsure of being able to make the rent payments after that date. One of our goals is to help

transition the members of the orphanage away from rented building, and to buildings on their

property, because it will be more sustainable in regards to their limited budget.

The EWB members and mentors developed a contractual agreement with Mercy to provide funds

to help complete the well water electrical room along with Rhema Grace hooking up to grid

power once it is available to the Ombe village. If both of these contractual agreement

obligations are met; then transitioning the members of the orphanage onto their property can be

accomplished. The contractual agreement is provided in appendix G.

5.0 Data Collection Analysis

Data collection and analysis was performed on the following assessment areas:

Current Water System and Electricity

Water Contamination Testing

Water Filtration

Health in the orphanage and Ombe village

Materials Ownership/O&M/Sustainability

This section summarizes key data collected and the analysis of the information with respect to the

objectives of each area.

Clean water is essential for the success of any community. As a basic need of all humans, water was

a top focus for the assessment. The water assessment this trip was primarily focused on the need for

water filtration and providing the orphanage with year round clean drinking water. Once the need

was established, some interviewing took place to establish what if any forms of filtration were

already in use.

5.1 Summary of Data

5.1.1 Current Water System and Electricity

Currently the Orphanage relies on a borehole, submersible pump powered by a gas generator,

elevated storage tank, and gravity fed tap and showers/toilets for all clean water. Each

component of this system was assessed during the trip. The largest complication of this system is

the generator and borehole pump control. The pump cannot work without power, and the

generator is in extremely poor condition. The generator was unreliable and the pump control was

missing the main fuse. The orphanage had been relying on the creek water for two to six months

prior to our arrival.


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Basic statistics of the current water system

Borehole:

37‟ Deep

Water level 6‟ Below Surface on 8/11/2010

After filling empty tank, Water Level 11‟ Below Surface 8/11/2010

5 meters from tank

Pump:

Rate: ~60L/min (we observed filling the 2000L tank in 30-35 minutes)

8.5 amps

230 volts single phase

Pump Control:

Missing a fuse

Corrosion on the internal wiring

Storage Tank:

2000 L tank

5‟ high

4‟ Diameter

Plastic, with large mouthed lid

Transmission Line:

1‖ Diameter black plastic flex-hose (HDPE)

Tap: Valve controls flow

No lock on the system

Toilets/Showers: 8 shower heads

8 toilet water holder

Leak at main inlet pipe below the shutoff valve

Crack and leaking sewage line from the toilets to the sewage container

Current Water System and Orphanage Electrical Condition

This is discussed in greater detail in 5.1.2 of this document

5.1.2 Assessed condition upon arrival

The current water system was inoperable upon arrival at the orphanage. The member of the

orphanage verbally stated that they had been without the clean drinking water for two to six

months. Upon visual inspection the pump control for the borehole had a missing fuse and


Page 14

moisture damages to the wiring (pictures provided in section 8.0). The generator was found

inoperable and undersized to operate the borehole. The condition of the electrical wiring was

unsafe from the generator to the borehole because no grounding wire was installed. No

grounding wire was installed in any of the orphanage structures and provides a high risk for

members of the orphanage being electrocuted.

Additionally the orphanage used the generator to power the main building and the boys‘

dormitory. Both structures had poor wiring practices and many unsafe electrical hazards were

noted. The wiring in the main building and boy‘s dormitory has no overcurrent protection for

the circuits in use and many unsafe wiring spices were used to connect the light and plugs within

the structures.

After interviewing a few members of the orphanage it was apparent the condition of the wiring

between the main building and boys‘ dormitory was at times electrocuting orphanage members.

After some observation it was apparent they were using the electrical lines between the main

building and orphanage as a clothes line to dry their laundry. This unsafe practice was addressed

with the orphanage by EWB members to ensure their safety from electrocution.

5.1.2 Electrical Safety Improvements

After the initial assessment of the condition of the current water system and condition of the

overall electrical system of the orphanage, then the group had an emergency meeting to discuss

how to proceed with making these systems operable and safer for use.

Based upon prior assessment trips the cost of pumping clean tap water is not great (less than

$1/day), reliability and maintenance cost of the current generator was the main cause for

concern. Because the use of a generator is a sustainable solution to providing the orphanage with

clean drinking water the group had an emergency meeting to discuss how to proceed with the

current water system. After much discussion the following plan was developed to implement

while in country.

Purchase a new properly sized generator (3800 Watt)

Purchase a new borehole pump control (230 Volt 8.5 Amp)

Properly ground the borehole wiring

Fix the unsafe splicing in the main building and boys‘ dormitory

Install plug ends to connect the generator to the borehole and main building

Properly ground the new generator

Develop a O and M manual for the current water system new components

Train the orphanage staff on proper electrical procedures to ensure sustainability of the

borehole

Design a generator/electrical borehole control room adjacent to the girls‘ dormitory to

help with transitioning the orphanage members onto the property they own


Page 15

The group was able to successfully complete these steps and the current water system was

operational the beginning of the second week in Ombe. All the items completed were done by

the orphanage members and were supervised closely while implementation took place. A

licensed electrician from Alaska supervised the proper installation of the electrical

improvements. We conducted several training session with the orphanage staff on proper O and

M procedures with sustainability being top priority. A copy of the developed O and M is

provided in the Appendix B. Pictures for items addressed in this portion are provided in section

8.0.

5.1.3 Current Electrical Load

After the current water system was operational exact measurements were taken of the

surrounding orphanage buildings in order to determine a proper layout for future electrical

upgrades. A rough sketch of these measurements is provided in Appendix C. We will further

develop the sketches in AutoCAD during the design process.

The exact electrical load of the orphanage was measured upon arrival and table 1 and 2 reflect

the assess data.

Table 1: Orphanage Buildings Current Electrical Load

Utilities Starting Load (Watts) Running Load (Watts) Quantity Total Running

Load (Watts)

Light Bulbs 0 1000 10 1000

Receptacles 0 200 5 1000

Television 0 57 2 114

Freezer 0 170 1 170

Satellite Box 0 25 1 25

Total Watts 2309

Table 2: Borehole Electrical Total Watt Load

Utilities Starting Load (Watts) Running Load (Watts)

Borehole ½ HP 3400 1700

By operating the orphanage building current electrical load separate from the borehole electrical

load the 3800 watt generator is adequate to meet the current electrical load demand of the entire

orphanage. Training was provided to the orphanage staff on how to operate the loads separately

to ensure generator longevity.

5.1.4 Future Generator Room and Grid Connection

After interviewing Mercy a major concern she has is the increase in rent for the main orphanage

building. The rent has double this year and she usually pays for the entire year of rent at one

time. This year she was only able to pay for six months and isn‘t sure if she will be able to raise


Page 16

the money for the additional six months. The ideal plan is to transition the orphanage to the

property they own to alleviate the need to make rent.

We meet with Jackson, a local mason, to design and develop a generator/electrical control room

for the current water system and orphanage electrical switch gear (a contract was drafted and

signed by Mercy before the construction began and is provided in Appendix G). After some

design discussion, then we began construction on a generator room located adjacent to the girls‘

dormitory building.

The Structure will be an eight foot by eight foot secured enclosed structure with adequate

ventilation for the generator to be inside the building. Exact layout and design is provided in

Appendix F. This location will provide a secure enclosure for the generator, because theft is a

concern for the orphanage, and a place for the electrical switch gear for the current water system

and over current protection for future orphanage electrical upgrades.

The location of the structure will provide ease of future connection to grid electric. The grid

electric is currently being brought down the main road to Ombe and one electrical transformer

has been installed in the Ombe village. AES-Sonel is working on finishing the other pole

placements and grid electric should be available to the Ombe village in approximately a couple

months according to Mercy. We are investigating how soon grid electric will be available

through an in country contact (Boardman Egbe) that has direct connections with AES-Sonel. He

can also provide an electrical company referral to do electrical upgrades we design.

5.1.5 Electrical Materials and Code Standards

Electrical Materials availability was assessed at Douala and Limbe. Many items were located

and prices recorded. The following table is a few of the market items assessed. A more detailed

list will be provided after a proper electrical plan is developed to meet the needs of the

orphanage. Pictures of assessed material are in Appendix H.

Item Price in CFA Price in USD (450 CFA

Conversion Factor)

Panel 61,350.00 136.34

20 Amp Two Pole Breaker 36,800.00 80.00

Ground Bus 5,950.00 13.23

12/4 S. O. Type Wiring 1,260.00/ meter 2.80

#6 Bare Ground Wire Available but not price listed

20 Amp Indoor/Conduit Rated

Wire (Green, Black, and Red)

8,300.00/100 meter 18.45

Concrete Hammer Drill 122,000.00 271.11

Fluorescent Lighting 4,000-15,000 8.90-33.00

PVC Connections (T‘s and

Couplings)

350-1,750 0.77- 3.88


Page 17

The greatest challenge of electrical implementations in the region of Cameroon, Africa is the

availability of materials that meet American code standards. The region does have safe practical

solutions to electrical infrastructure; however, the materials in the region do not meet the code

standards of NEC (2011). The use of the materials in the region will provide a safe connection

and operation of electrical devises for the orphanage because it will dramatically improve the

current condition of the unsafe and dangerous wiring in use. Based upon the above statements, it

the recommendation of the professional electrician on the trip to improve their electrical

infrastructure even though it is unrealistic to meet the standards of NEC (2011). If

improvements are not made, then the safety of the orphanage members is in grave danger of

electrocution and possible death. It is the goal of the EWB-UAA electrical design team to

develop a practical solution to meet their electrical upgrades and will continue to assess the

feasibility of this design.

5.1.6 Current Water Treatment Practices

For the first few days at RGO, we were unable to utilize the well water. This gave us the

opportunity to observe the current practices in use. Two forms of water treatment were observed

within RGO: the use of bleach and the practice of boiling water. Some of the adults were also

observed to drink bottled water, however the majority of children drank water from the stream or

from the well once it was operational.

We also spoke to the water testing facility in Four-mile with regards to common practices that

are used to provide the people with clean water sources throughout Cameroon. We were told

that when the government treats their water, they typically use chlorination. Enough chlorination

is used that the taste is often evident in the water. The government also provides piped water to

several of the villages. However, the availability of this water is on a rotating schedule. The size

of the community will dictate how often the water is rotated to their village. The village of

Muntengene, the village that would provide RGO with piped water, is on a one-week-on-one-

week-off rotation for water supply.

The water testing facility also informed us that the most common point-of-use filtration practices

include slow-flow sand filters, ceramic filters, and bleach. We were also able to speak with Peter

N. after reading about his involvement with placing slow-flow sand filters into remote villages in

Cameroon. He informed us that he has several molds to form concrete sand filters that he would

be willing to let us use.

5.1.7 Community Health Assessment

The community and health assessment was conducted by Patricia Peshel, a EWB member and

MPH student in the Public Health Practice program at the University of Alaska Anchorage as

part of her thesis practicum. Health assessment tools developed and utilized to gather data

included a survey, adult interview, child interview, and an observation checklist and notes. All


Page 18

developed tools were used at the Rhema Grace Orphanage. At the neighboring village of Ombe,

the health assessment survey, adult interview and observational checklist and notes were utilized.

The primary areas of focus were water utilization and hygiene practices. Additional areas

addressed in the study included the following: health status and practices, sanitation practices,

education, socioeconomics, and demographics.

Although both the Rhema Grace Orphanage and Ombe village communities participated in the

health assessment, they are being evaluated as individual case studies. This will allow the

communities to be monitored and evaluated individually and allow for comparative data

analysis. It is recognized that comparisons made from collected data between the two assessed

communities will be skewed due to the differences in the population demographic, primarily the

orphanage being predominantly comprised of children. The primary focus of the baseline data is

water use and practices at the Rhema Grace Orphanage and Ombe village. One important

difference in the communities is their water sources: Rhema Grace Orphanage has a borehole

and tap with tested, clean water whereas the village only has access to the stream and the Ombe

River, both of which are known to be contaminated. Analyzed data may provide measurable

indicators that could prove valuable for future project developments.

Rhema Grace Orphanage:

At the Rhema Grace Orphanage, the Director, Rev. Mercy Batetataw was interviewed.

Questions regarding the age and health of the children, water use and hygiene practices,

education opportunities available to the children, socioeconomic factors related to daily

operations, nutritional data/diet of children at the orphanage, and treatment methods for diseases

were discussed. Additionally, two staff members, Mary Ayuk, and Allen Ntoko, were

interviewed and provided insight about the daily practices and operations at the orphanage.

Rhema Grace Orphanage is home to fifty children and young adults. A total of seven health

assessment surveys, seven adult interviews, and fifteen child interviews were conducted at the

Rhema Grace Orphanage. At present, fifty children and young adults reside at the orphanage.

Identified tribes per assessment include, but are not limited to Bebe, Beyange, Meta, Menuer,

and Yaoundé tribes.

Upon arrival, water was being collected from the stream that runs behind the orphanage due to a

pump failure of the clean water source. It was learned that this had been the situation for two

months prior to our arrival. The stream used for water collection had long been suspected of

being contaminated. Suspicions were confirmed when PAC-LAB, a water quality and medical

laboratory, tested water samples collected by EWB members. The water samples from the

stream tested positive for fecal coliforms. Approximately five days after arrival, the clean water

source system was restored and operational with the assistance of some of the older boys and the

guidance of EWB members/mentors.

Water collection containers utilized at the orphanage have designated uses, such as for cooking,

cleaning, laundry, and so on. General observations showed that for the most part water

containers are not intermingled. However, prior to getting the clean water source functioning, it


Page 19

was noted that a few of the containers specifically designated for cooking and washing dishes

were used to either collect water from the stream, or wash dishes. Observation of bottled water

for cooking for EWB visitors was noted, and containers using stream water for washing dishes

were treated with a couple of drops of bleach. The use of stream water in cooking vessels was

inevitable with no other water source readily available; this speaks to one of the realities of cross

contamination. When the clean water source was made available, use of stream water was

completely omitted for cooking, and washing of any cooking utensils/materials. Children were

periodically seen collecting drinking water from the tap using bowls, used water bottles, and with

a cupped hand. Water for cooking and daily tasks is usually collected in twenty-liter jugs and

buckets. The jugs are usually sealed shut with a cap; the buckets do not have lids and remain

open to debris. Water collected from buckets is usually used in a timely manner.

Prior to the restoration of the clean drinking source, children were observed drinking directly

from the stream. It was reported that the stream water is boiled as a source of treatment prior to

being given to the younger children for consumption. This method of treatment was seen once.

The children report they have been taught the only safe water for consumption is water from the

tap, and rainwater. When questioned about drinking water from the stream, or the Ombe River,

most verbalize that the water is bad and makes them sick. When questioned what ―sick‖ means,

they report it makes their stomach hurt and gives them diarrhea, also known as ―running

stomach‖.

At the Rhema Grace Orphanage, older children, primarily the older girls, are assigned to care for

the younger children. They see to most of the children‘s daily needs. The younger children are

periodically bathed at the rear of the orphanage in the morning. Some bathing of the younger

children was also observed near the latrines. None of the younger children were observed

brushing their teeth. Most of the older boys self-reported bathing in the stream. The older girls

typically bathe in the showers that are adjacent to the latrines. Hygiene products such as

deodorant, and feminine products are not always available and the children make due the best

they can. Hand washing by the younger children was very rarely observed. The older girls and

boys were observed washing their hands several times prior to food preparation. However, soap

was not always used. Interviews revealed that there is a clear understanding of the need for hand

washing with soap to prevent the spread of germs. However, the self-disclosures of hand

washing practices, and observation of such practices were contradictory. Portable hand washing

stations were built and placed near the kitchen and upon entry into the main dorm where

additional food preparation occurs.

An educational hand washing exercise was implemented with some of the children along with an

educational coloring activity in which they drew pictures that depicted clean and dirty hands.

The connection between hand washing and health was discussed. Observation of increased

participation in hand washing by children of all ages was noted upon introduction of the portable

hand washing stations. A couple of the older girls and boys expressed positive comments about

the convenience of the hand washing stations.


Page 20

Preceding the hand washing exercise, a trash pickup exercise was implemented. Trash bins were

purchased, and discussions about the need to properly dispose of trash occurred with orphanage

staff, and both the older and younger children. At present, bio hazardous materials are disposed

of in two older latrines located directly behind the orphanage. However, many waste items are

simply disposed of at will on orphanage grounds. These items included both biodegradable

waste and inert materials. Some of the disposed items present both health and safety concerns,

such as sharp sardine can lids, broken glass, and old food wrappers that a couple of the younger

children were seen picking up and licking. A biodegradable compost pile that was previously

located next to the kitchen was relocated a safer distance away to prevent fly/mosquitos from

collecting so close to the kitchen. For convenience, a trash bin with a lid was placed near the

kitchen to collect biodegradable waste that can then be relocated to the compost pile once it is

full. Additional cans were located at strategic locations to include the boys‘ dorm and the main

dorm buildings.

The adults and many of the older children generally dispose of their human waste in the latrines.

However, many of the younger children use two potty chairs located at the back of the main

dorm, or urinate/defecate at will on the property. A common practice of some of the younger

children is to urinate off the side entrance to the main dorm. This observation occurred several

dozen times. Additionally, the majority of the boys who reside in the boys‘ dorm self-disclosed

that although they use the latrines to defecate, they most often urinate behind their building, or in

the stream, because it is more convenient than having to go to the latrines. Upon EWB‘s stay, it

was noted that a septic pipe from the latrines had been broken and raw sewage was leaking onto

the grounds. Replacement PVC pipe was purchased and with direction from EWB students, the

pipe was repaired with the assistance of some of the older orphanage boys.

Malaria is common in the area. To mitigate risks involved with the younger children acquiring

Malaria, children under the age of eight receive Malaria treatment every six months. This

practice has been beneficial in preventing parasites from fully maturing in the children‘s systems

and proving fatal. A bed net count of the dorms at the orphanage revealed that the orphanage

had four bed nets, of which three had holes. The screens of the main dorm that houses the girls,

younger children, and the common gathering room all had tears and holes. The boy‘s dorm does

not have screens. Some of the boys previously had bed nets, but accidentally destroyed them

when washing them with Savon, a local soap that is abrasive and destroyed the nets. Other

diseases, signs, and symptoms reported to be prevalent at the orphanage by both the children and

some of the adults included fever, diarrhea, coughs, colds, headaches, and pain/discomfort from

insect bites. Observations found that three of the children were mute, two were deaf, and one

was blind from river blindness, also known as Onchocerciasis. River blindness is endemic in

parts of Cameroon even though it is easily prevented and treated with a single annual dose of

Mectizan. One child was identified as being anemic and another had previously been diagnosed

with Aslo fever, also known as rheumatic fever. A couple of the children also presented with

cognitive limitations. The children are given a multi-vitamin, and some medications are kept and

distributed as needed to the children. No staff at the orphanage has formal health or medical


Page 21

training. The children are either given medication, or taken to the clinic/hospital in Muntengene

for serious illness.

Observations revealed that several of the younger children showed signs of malnourishment such

as bloated stomachs. Additional observations related to the physical health of the children

included insect bites, rashes, and closed/open sores. One child had ear pain, and some of the

infants/toddlers had fever and diarrhea. A traditional treatment consisting of mashed tree bark,

and local tree leaves was prepared to combat what is said to be a reoccurring fungi believed to be

responsible for the diarrhea experienced by some of the orphanage's youngest children.

Additionally, prior to departure one adult resident/staff member of the orphanage fell ill and was

admitted to the neighboring hospital in Muntengene with a diagnosis of Malaria and Typhoid

fever.

The children are afforded an education at a cost to the orphanage. Mercy hires teachers

throughout the school year. The lead teacher/principal, Ernest, arrived during our visit. Mercy

will be hiring approximately six more teachers to teach the different grades and subjects.

Presently, the orphanage does not have a school building, but hopes to have one in the future.

School will most likely be held in the common room of the main dorm building. The

Cameroonian school system typically calls for six years of primary school, five years of

secondary school, and two years of high school. Promotion in grades is based on academic

abilities. There are young adult residents of the orphanage who are in their early twenties in

secondary school, while there is a sixteen-year-old girl starting high school at the beginning of

this next school year, scheduled to start September 11, 2011. Graduation from high school

requires that a student pass exams showing competency in specific subjects. Without passing

these exams, one will not graduate high school and cannot go on to study at the university level.

For those who graduate high school, the orphanage will assist with university costs. Only a

small number of the children have gone on to study at the university level. There are both public

and private universities in Cameroon, but the consensus is that graduation from a public

university is not sought out by employers. Vocational education programs such as cosmetology,

sewing, designing, carpentry, mechanics, and computers are offered in the neighboring

communities of Muntengene and Limbe.

The orphanage is funded through different means. Mercy raises funds to support the orphanage

through her ministry work, donations are made through different groups who support the

orphanage, and entrepreneurial efforts to inject cash flow are sought out by the orphanage. In the

past, they have sold used cell phones. A car requiring repairs was purchased by the orphanage

with the intent to repair the vehicle and resell it for a profit. The orphanage has a store in the

village that sells items such as clothing and toys for supplemental income. During our stay, a

women‘s group from Douala visited the orphanage and brought food donations and toiletries.

The children identified their needs as a school building/education, their own home (orphanage

currently rents the main bldg.), more/good food, clean water year round, and electricity.


Page 22

Ombe village: The village of Ombe is located next to and across the street from the Rhema

Grace Orphanage. The village had just over 300 residents, and seventy-seven homes at last

count. The local leadership is Mr. Abwa Julius who serves as the Quarter head. A total of

twenty-five health assessment surveys and twenty interviews were conducted in Ombe village.

Tribes identified in the assessment include, but are not limited to Bali, Bamangh, Bassa,

Bayange, Bebah, Bebe, Mbo, Meta, Nyebah-Mbengwi, and Wum tribes.

The residents of Ombe village primarily collect their water from the stream that runs behind both

the Rhema Grace Orphanage and parts of Ombe village. In the dry season, the stream dries or

runs extremely low, usually in January and February. If the water is very low, some villagers

will collect what they can, and allow the dirt/debris to settle to the bottom. In cases where the

stream has dried, most villagers will generally collect water from the Ombe River that is located

close by. The consensus from the Community Health Assessment Questionnaire shows that

villagers believe water from the stream is sometimes safe, and water from the Ombe River is

never safe. Villagers report that a Chinese poultry farm that opened up a few years back is

disposing animal feces/waste into the Ombe River upstream. A visit to the poultry farm and

conversation with management revealed that hundreds of thousands of chickens have been raised

and sold through the facility. The farm reports that they sell their chickens live to

companies/consumers. When asked what they do with all the chicken waste, it was reported that

it is all sold for fertilizer.

Water samples from both the stream and Ombe River were tested at a local lab, PAC-LAB in

Muntengene. Results revealed that both samples from the stream water, and Ombe River were

positive for fecal coliforms and deemed ―the microbial quality of the water is unacceptable for

human consumption.‖ A few of the households in the village reported that when the stream dries

up, or runs very low in the dry season, they transport water from a public tap in Muntengene that

is operated by the government facilities. Three households reported they only use water from the

public tap in Muntengene as their drinking water source. They will not drink the water from the

stream or Ombe River. Most of the villagers collect rainwater, although a few expressed

concerns about its safety and report that it also makes them ill. Two individuals stated that

rainwater is safe for drinking as long as it is consumed shortly after it is collected. Water is most

often collected in 20-liter jugs and buckets. Water is most often stored in the collection jugs and

sealed shut with a secure cap. Water collected in buckets is most often transferred into a storage

container with a lid. Only a couple of villagers reported water treatment of any type. One

person reported boiling water before giving it to her children. Another individual reported

putting a couple of drops of bleach in the water, ―when it was really dirty.‖ One villager did

state that the Quarter head, Mr. Julius came around last dry season and put bleach in her water

container because the water was, ―not good.‖ Most villagers report that in dry season collected

water is allowed to settle for longer periods so the dirt will settle at the bottom of the collection

containers.

In Ombe village, many of the men and boys go down to the stream to bathe, although some

prefer to collect water and bring it back to their homes to bathe. Some reported bathing inside


Page 23

their home, behind their home, or in their latrine. The women and girls reported collecting water

from the stream to bathe. Most people reported hand washing before cooking, and after using

the latrine. Some reported washing their hands before feeding a baby. The lowest rate of hand

washing practices was attributed to washing hands after changing a baby‘s diaper.

Most villagers have their own pit latrine. Those who do not have their own pit latrine report

using a neighbors pit latrine, or urinating and defecating in the bush. One home had a flush toilet

that required water to be manually filled. Waste is distributed outside to a holding tank.

Trash is disposed of in several ways in the village. The primary method is to throw one's trash in

―the valley.‖ The valley is located along the edge of the Ombe village. Trash is thrown over the

edge. This can be somewhat dangerous as the edge drops down several hundred feet and the

ground has been known to breakaway. At the edge of the valley is the Ombe River. It would

seem likely that with the heavy rains in the rainy season the trash would eventually be washed

into the river. Some villagers reported throwing their trash in the stream. Most were cognizant

of disposing their trash downstream from their own water collection point. Trash is also

disposed of in both individual and group piles. Some individuals separate their biodegradable

materials and their inert materials. Inert materials are burned periodically in the dry season. A

few larger, group piles of trash can be found in the village. People expressed a desire to have a

better method of trash disposal and often correlated illness with the lack of sanitation. Trash is

most often referred to as ―dirt.‖

Villagers who participated in the health assessment survey were asked, ―How would you rate

your health?‖ The choices provided were excellent, very good, fair, poor, and very poor. Of the

twenty-five villagers who responded, four rated their health ―excellent,‖ eight rated their health

―very good,‖ nine rated their health ―fair,‖ and four rated their health ―poor.‖ No one rated his or

her health, ―very poor.‖ Poor health was usually contributed to the poor living conditions and

lack of infrastructure. Identified causes of illness included dirty drinking water, lack of adequate

and nutritious food, lack of sanitation, lack of drainage (standing water serves as a breeding

ground for mosquitos/disease), lack of access to medical services, and lack of bed nets. A couple

of villagers attributed poor health and disease to juju, which is likened to a form of witchcraft in

which someone places a spell on others and brings negative effects, such as ill health. Good

health and protection from potential disease sources such as dirty water is contributed to God‘s

will and protection.

No health care facilities are located in Ombe. There is a government health clinic and hospital,

as well as private clinics and a private hospital in the neighboring town of Muntengene. Most

villagers reported using the government facilities because they provide services at a lower cost.

Some individuals reported they could not seek services if needed due to inability to pay for

services. One must usually pay the bill in full when medical services are rendered. Many rely

on traditional treatments such as teas brewed from the back of the stem of mango leaves known

as dogo‘n yaro, and papaya leaves known as pawpaw leaves for Malaria. A tea made with lemon

and fluted pumpkin leaves is used for Typhoid. Most people reported using a combination of


Page 24

medicines and traditional treatments to cure ailments. Diseases and symptoms identified as the

most common ailments amongst villagers in descending order from most identified to least

included: Malaria, fever, Diarrhea, Typhoid, Cholera, Epilepsy, cough, Filaria, rashes/sores,

body pains, colds, malnutrition, Scabies, and allergies.

The education system for the village children operates under a similar structure as it does for the

orphanage children. The exception is that the village children do not have a local school and

must travel outside of their village. The costs associated with travel, and school fees often limits

access to education even at the lower levels. It is clear that villagers value education. Education

is valued equally for both boy and girl offspring. The level of education amongst those surveyed

spanned from no formal education to a university graduate. The most common identified

occupations included farmers and laborers. The vast majority of villagers owned their own

home; others were renting or staying in a home owned by a family member.

The residents of Ombe village identified their needs in the following order: safe drinking water,

health clinic/hospital, electricity, sanitation, schools/education, market, and a church.

Within the next month, data analysis for the information collected in the surveys, interviews, and

observations at the Rhema Grace Orphanage and Ombe village will be completed using

Microsoft Excel 2010. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets lend themselves to easy data entry and

analysis. These tools are readily available, set up to input data, will not require a substantial time

commitment to input data, and can be used for the long-term subsequent longitudinal study for

future visits.

Knowledge gained in this study will allow EWB-UAA to establish the necessary benchmarks to

evaluate projects and identify opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion. The

residents of the Rhema Grace Orphanage and Ombe village were supportive of this health

assessment. Results findings will be provided to these communities via email, as well as hard

copy if requested, upon completion of the finalized report.

5.2 Community Contacts

One of the largest challenges of planning and designing a project at the orphanage is overcoming

the great distance between Alaska and Cameroon. Key to communication and coordination in

planning future projects are utilizing the contacts made during the trip. Below is a table listing

some of the most helpful and knowledgeable contacts in the area.

The address for the Rhema Grace Orphanage is:

P.O Box 1016 Limbe

Fako Division

South West Region

Cameroon-West Africa


Page 25

Community Contacts

Name Relationship Email Phone Number Expertise

Batetataw Mercy

Beyang

Orphanage

Director

[email protected] (0037) 75 21 41 13 Orphanage Needs/

Management

Gloria

Orphan [email protected]

m

(237) 77 94 18 15 Orphanage/ Finances

John Ndukwe Rotary

President

[email protected] (237) 99 98 95 34 Rotary Support;

Steven Tataw Mercy‘s

Nephew

asahsteve@ yahoo.com 77203589 Douala/Supplies

Allen Ntoko Orphanage Staff

Member;

assistant

76 21 46 18 Assist with

Maintenance

Program

Pokam Joseph Brick Maker 99 97 36 09 Burn Bricks

Christopher Boh Mason/ Elder [email protected] 75 19 54 19

79 38 57 14

Masonry Work

Oben Mbeng

Johnson

Assistant Chief

of Regional

Control

77 56 00 01

96 64 40 02

Government Social

Services

Victor Njiogo

(French

Speaking)

Cogeni Material

Supply Store

Employee

99 32 32 99

77 64 45 44

Supply Availability

and Pricing

Foraec Driller 99 91 11 70 Borehole Drilling

Nfor Francis

Nformi

Mercy contact 99 57 98 40 Welder

Boardman Egbe Limbe contact [email protected] (237) 99 80 27 07

(237) 33 33 28 43

Water & Wastewater

Engineer



Page 26

5.3 Mapping

Location of Structures

Exact measurements were take on this assessment trip and are attached in Appendix C. The

measurements will be updated in AutoCAD during the next design phase. Notes, photographs,

sketches, survey information, interview notes, measurements, and any other pertinent data are

contained in Appendixes A through H.

6.0 Monitoring

The three metrics our group used to measure the success of our project are sustainability,

feasibility, and ownership.

Sustainability:

In order for the overall health of the orphanage to improve they will need access to clean

drinking water year round. By providing a reliable source of electricity to their borehole we can

help improve their overall health. By using the products available in the region and training the

members of the orphanage on installation, ownership, and maintenance, then sustainability is

attainable. As we develop the next phase of design sustainability will be our top priority as it has

in past implementations.


Page 27

Ownership:

The following items will help determine the orphanage taking ownership of our projects:

Mercy completing her commitment of finishing the generator/electrical room and

hooking the orphanage to grid power as soon as possible.

The orphanage fixing the few items we left for them to complete (Ex. The drain from the

sinks)

Continual monitoring of past implemented projects shows that the orphanage is taking ownership

of our projects and we want that trend to continue.

Feasibility:

Through research and market assessment we can determine if the projects we implement will be

successful in being accomplished. We still have some assessing that will be taking place of the

next few months to help us in determining the feasibility of the projects we plan to move forward

on. Making sure that the projects we implement are using in country supplies so that the

orphanage will be able to make the needed future repair/upgrades to the systems is another

aspect of the feasibility of our future projects.

6.1 Monitoring of past-implemented projects

The project we monitored of past-implemented projects was the cook stove. The data we

collected was quantitative and mostly observational. The cook stove was operational upon arrival

and the orphanage is using the stove on a daily basis. We observed the stove to be operational

and no smoke was leaking into the kitchen structure. The modifications the orphanage made to

the stove looked appropriately done to the standards of the region and we were impressed with

the functionality of the stove‘s new flu pipe.

The cook stove was completed and implemented during the August 15, 2010 trip. The percent of

functionality is between 75-100%. The orphanage had enhanced the system because the original

flu pipe installed on the stove had rusted and allowed smoke to fill the kitchen. One of the

orphans used lava rock and concrete mortar to fix the flu and made the stove functional again.

No duplication of the stove has been created but they have taken ownership of the implemented

stove.

7.0 Community Agreement/Contract

A formal agreement contract was developed between EWB-UAA and Mercy to finish the

electrical/generator room and when power is connected to Ombe village, Rhema Grace will hook

up to the grid as soon as possible. This contract was formed because both the generator room

and electrical grid connection will protect the current potable water source of the borehole.

EWB-UAA and Rotary provided Mercy with 520 USD for completion of the two projects.

Mercy agreed to finish the girls‘ dorm by October 31, 2011 and Rhema Grace Orphanage agreed

to email photos of the finished projects by the end of 2011. The contractual agreement is

provided in Appendix G.


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8.0 Photo Documentation

8.1 Current Water System and Electrical Assessment


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8.2 Health and Water Assessment

EWB member collecting water sample PAC-LAB - water testing site

Clean water flowing again Girls used bleach, clean water was unavailable

Washing hands before food preparation Soap on a rope!


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Hand washing coloring exercise Clean hand/dirty hand drawing

Signs of Malnourishment Open sore on twelve-year-old boy

Leg of one-year-old girl Leg of sixteen-year-old boy


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River Blindness Signs of Malnourishment

Collecting water from the stream Ombe River

Public tap in Muntengene Rainwater collection containers in Ombe village


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Picture of village pit latrine Picture of flush toilet in the village

9.0 Project Feasibility

The project feasibility of the assessed items is promising. The EWB-UAA chapter still needs to

assess information from sources over the design phase to ensure the feasibility of future projects.

The chapter will continue with the project because the orphanage showed ownership and a

willingness to improve their quality of living with our help.

10.0 Lessons Learned

Many lessons were learned during this assessment trip and below are a few provided

Don‘t expect the project to be completed quickly due to the amount of time to purchase

supplies and finding appropriate supplies to meet the project needs.

The culture moves at slower pace than Americans are used to

When you set up a meeting for a specific time expect that time to be a few hours after the

arranged meeting time

The products in the country are of poor quality and can break easy. Example: a rebar

cutter was broke at the concrete store after only cutting a few pieces.


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Just because a product is brand new and unopened doesn‘t mean it is in working

condition

Travel can be dangerous at times because of the driving practices in the country. No set

of rules are followed by the drivers on the roads

All prices are negotiable and having an in country contact is beneficial in the negotiating

process

It can insult a host if you don‘t eat as often as they provide food

11.0 Project Status

Assessment continues (Current Water System Optimization)-EWB-UAA will continue to assess

the feasibility of electrical upgrades for the Rhema Grace Orphanage and part of the success of

continuing with design will be for the generator/electrical room to be completed. Mercy meeting

her contractual agreement will be of utmost importance with us transitioning into the design

phase. Further assessing when the grid electric will be available to the Ombe village will help

with determining feasibility.

Design (Water Filtration) - EWB-UAA will begin looking at and analyzing different alternatives

for water filtration. The importance of water filtration is great enough and we feel the sooner we

can provide the Ombe village with a clean drinking water source the better. The impact of clean

drinking water will be intense, especially after a thorough health assessment revealed so many

water-related illnesses at RGO and the surrounding villages.

Assessment continues (Health)-The Masters of Public Health student will be further assessing

sustainable solutions to alleviate some of the health concerns found in country.

12.0 Mentor Assessment

The assessment portion of our August 2010 trip was led by engineering student, Ryan Johnston

and Masters of Public Health student Patricia Peshel. Other members of the travel team also

contributed to aspects of the assessment. As the mentor directly involved in most of its aspects, I

believe the findings of this assessment are accurate and its evaluation to be sound. I fully

support the recommendations of continued future involvement of the chapter in assessing

and implementing potential projects listed above for the orphanage and potentially the

surrounding village.

As the mentor overseeing the community health assessment I, Nancy Hibbert, give my

endorsement that it was planned and executed in a professional manner. Patricia submitted her

surveys, questionnaires, and observation paperwork to the University of Alaska Anchorage

Institutional Review Board (IRB). This group of professionals reviews the documents with added

scrutiny because part of the population being surveyed was children. Patricia received


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endorsement to proceed from the IRB. Permission documents were signed by all study

participants all of whom were participating voluntarily. We held several meetings with local

government leaders to ensure the study was agreed on and accepted by the community. Data

collected will be complied, analyzed and provided to the communities involved. Patricia will be

finalizing the data analyses portion in the next month as part of her Master‘s thesis. On

subsequent trips the data will be updated and reviewed to determine if the health of the

community is improving.

12.1 Professional Mentor/Technical Lead Name

Nancy Hibbert

12.2 Professional Mentor/Technical Lead Affirmation

I, Nancy Hibbert, was involved in the pre-travel assessment planning and assessment work in-

country and accept responsibility of the course the EWB-UAA chapter is taking with this Rhema

Grace Orphanage project.

13.0 Appendices

Appendix A: Mentor Resumes







Appendix H: Material Assessment Photos

Appendix I: Water Filtration Notes


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Appendix A- Mentor Resumes

John A. Pepe, P.E.

3104 Doil Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99507, email: [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

John is a principal of EDC, Inc. Consultants, in Anchorage and the engineer of record for many

projects designed by the firm. He has over 20 years‘ experience in the design and construction of

remote, rural Alaskan federal, state, municipal and tribal commercial, industrial and educational

facilities. His firm specializes in remote rural community facility planning, design and

construction.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

• Remote Water and Sewer Facilities

• Rural Community Utility Master Planning

EDUCATION

• Currently pursuing, MS

Environmental Engineering, University of Alaska, Anchorage

• BSEE, 1994, Electrical

Engineering, Oregon State University

PROFESSIONAL LICENSE

• Registered Professional Engineer, State of Alaska (EE- 11387)

AFFILIATIONS

• EWB-USA, Engineers Without Borders South-central Alaska

• IEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

• NSPE, National Society of Professional Engineers

RELATED EXPERIENCE

• Alaska State Representative for EWB-USA, 2009- Present

• Founder of the South-central Alaska Professional Chapter of EWB-USA, 2005

• Team Lead, Malawi Children‘s Village Water Project, Mangochi District, Malawi; EWB-SC

Alaska Professionals, 2008-Present

• Team Member, Matunda Health Water System Project, Lugari District Western Kenya, EWB

New York Professional Chapter

o Assisted with on-site construction/repairs and site testing/assessment, July-August 2009

• Professional Mentor, Namawanga Village Water Project, Western Kenya, EWB UMASS

Amherst Student Chapter


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o Assisted with on-site construction and project management, August 2009

• Team Member, Boho Water Supply Development Project, EWB SC Alaska; Moyale

District/Liban Zone, Ethiopia, 2006

o Responsible for assessment travel planning and partner NGO coordination

• Project Leader, Help International Phi Phi, Ko Phi Phi/Krabi Thailand, 2004-2005

o Project management and on-site reconstruction of residential and commercial

facilities following the 2004 Tsunami in this region

• Project Manager and Engineer, EDC, Inc.


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Nancy Hibbert 3774 Coventry Dr. Anchorage, AK 99507 ● (907)360-3279 ● [email protected]

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

Petroleum Engineer—BP Exploration—Sept 2006-present

Optimization and improvement of 60 oil wells in Prudhoe Bay reservoir

Eight months spent field based with well interventions and drilling

Research Assistant—Laboratoire de Génie Chimique—Summer 2006—Toulouse, France

Micro-reactor development project for use in pharmaceuticals

Mixing/eddy analysis for entry angle‘s effect on reaction speed

Reservoir Engineering Intern—BP Exploration—Summer 2005—Anchorage, AK

Calculated and mapped reserves at risk for drill site in Prudhoe Bay

Presented action plan for recovery of 9 million barrels of untapped oil over next 10

years

Environmental Extraction Technician—Analytica Alaska—Summer 2001—Anchorage,

Alaska

Extracted 70-100 samples of soil/water daily containing diesel and residual range

organics

Optimized quality control sampling—increase of 30% in 3 months—savings of

$210,000

EDUCATION Brigham Young University

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering—April 2006

GPA: 3.62/4.00

EIT April 2006

LEADERSHIP/INVOLVEMENT

Engineers Without Borders South-central Alaska Chapter Secretary—Oct 2009-present

Refuge Assistance Volunteer—Anchorage, Alaska—Oct 2009-present

President of women‘s religious service group of 50 members—Anchorage, AK—Sept 2007-

present

Society of Petroleum Engineers Member—2005-present

Good Buddies Volunteer for children with disabilities—Provo, UT—2004-05

Representative Volunteer—Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—2003-04—Brussels,

Belgium

Youth Counselor—CES Youth and Family Services—Summer 2002—Logan, Utah

SKILLS


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Speak and write French fluently

CPR and Wilderness 1st Aid Certified 2009-2011


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CHARLES T. (CHUCK) STILWELL, P.E.

12940 Von Scheben Dr. Phone: 406-491-1129

Anchorage, Alaska 99516 [email protected]

PROFILE

Broad experience in project management for oil and gas and mining industries.

Have both U.S. and international experience.

Skilled in leading interdisciplinary teams in planning, design and construction of complex projects.

Broad experience in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management in oil and gas industry.

Quick study and able to lead in new, unfamiliar work environments.

Extensive experience in negotiating with governmental entities, and non-governmental organizations.

Have led multiple large projects (>$50Million); example projects provided upon request.

Exemplary HSE performance record for projects managed, many in heavy construction.

Keen sense in both developing long term company strategies, and executing those strategies through

cost- and time-efficient procedures and actions.

WORK EXPERIENCE

September 2006 - Present

Project Manager

BP / Remediation Management, Anchorage, Alaska

Project Manager for remediation and decommissioning projects of exploration and production assets on

Alaska‘s North Slope, as well as refining and mining sites in western U.S.

Responsible for projects‘ financial, schedule, quality, and HSE performance.

Financial performance responsibilities include managing project portfolio with total costs of

>$70Million and annual budgets of $10-20 Million.

Excellent HSE performance on field construction projects managed, including no Lost Time Accidents

or environmental violations in over 3 years and 100K+ man-hours.

Project types include: soil and water remediation; tundra restoration; groundwater collection and

treatment; HSE program and process development

November 2004 – August 2006; October 1991 - December 2003

Project Manager

BP / Remediation Management, Butte, MT

Team Lead for numerous remediation projects associated with historic metals mining sites.

Responsible for projects‘ financial, schedule, quality, and HSE performance. HSE performance

involves compliance and permit acquisition for safety, air, water, waste, wetlands, and land access.

Financial performance responsibilities included managing portfolio with total project costs of over

$100Million and annual budgets of $7-15Million.

Excellent HSE performance on field construction projects managed, including no Lost Time Accidents

or environmental violations in over 7 years and 400K+ man-hours.

Project types include: water treatment plants; pipelines; soil and stream restoration; and structures.


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January 2004 – October 2004

HSE Special Advisor

TNK-BP, Moscow, Russia

Team Lead for developing the Company‘s initial long range HSE Strategic Plan, reporting to TNK-BP‘s HSE Vice President.

Responsible for managing team of Russian and ex-patriot personnel to assess Company‘s HSE issues

and develop Strategic Plan to address HSE issues.

Strategic Plan was intended to direct HSE investment of over $500Million over a 5 year period.

Assessment and plan included upstream, mid-stream, downstream, and retail operations.

October 1990 – September 1991

Operations/Analytical Engineer

ARCO Oil & Gas Company; Midland, TX

Managed development and production of an onshore oil field, including reservoir studies, well work

overs, and other actions to optimize production and net income of the asset.

March 1986 – October 1990

Environmental Engineer

ARCO Oil and Gas Company, Midland, TX

Provided environmental engineering and regulatory compliance support for oil and gas drilling and

production operations.

Developed and implemented environmental training and compliance programs.

Responsible for regulatory approvals and compliance for major projects and operations.

Responsible for regulatory agency and stakeholder relationships for Company.

March 1982 – March 1986

Staff Environmental Engineer

ARCO Oil and Gas Company, Dallas, TX

Provided environmental support to drilling and production operations, with emphasis in air permitting,

hazardous waste disposal, and underground storage tanks.

August 1981 – March 1982

Environmental Engineer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Ft. Worth, TX

Responsible for water resource engineering, floodplain mapping and flood flow analysis


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CIVIC ACTIVITIES

Professional Advisor – Engineers Without Borders, University of Alaska Anchorage student chapter,

2009-2010

Mission Team Member – Housing Enhancement Project, Puerto Punto, Mexico, 2005

Director – Butte Arts Foundation, 1999-2006

President, Director – Butte Amateur Hockey Association, 2003-4, 2000-2006

Elder – First Presbyterian Church, Butte, Montana, 1997-2000

Director – Butte Rescue Mission, 1995-2001

EDUCATION

B.S. – Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; May 1981

Major: Bioengineering; 3.0 GPA

CERTIFICATIONS / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS / PUBLICATIONS

Registered Professional Engineer (Texas, 69702), since 1991

Patent – U.S. Patent Number: 4,898,106 (Feb. 6, 1990) Combustion Method and Apparatus – For

design of a clean-burning oilfield waste incinerator.

Technical paper/publications – multiple publications related to oil and gas environmental and mine-site

reclamation projects; specific list of papers available upon request

OTHER SKILLS

Intermediate competency in Spanish; Basic competency in Russian and German


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Appendix H Material Assessment Spreadsheet and Photos


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Appendix I: Water Filtration Results

Following are field notes gathered regarding the collection points as well as the results provided

by the PAC-LAB water testing facility.


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