Rwanda Project
Project Leads: Jack Bacon, Chris Craw
Project Description
The Mugonero community has requested assistance from EWB-USA in improving its deteriorating water, irrigation, and sanitation systems, and in developing sustainable energy resources. Specific details of the project can be found here.
Current Phase Development (Summer 2007)
The EWB-JSC chapter is planning a trip for the Summer of 2007. This phase will involve implementing a combined water treatment and catchment solution. The project, named BYOW-II (Bring Your Own Water - II), builds upon a similar solution implemented by EWB-CU Boulder at the Mugonero hospital.
June 2006 Rainwater Catchment Implementation
An EWB-JSC team visited Rwanda in June 2006. The team, consisting of Heather Paul, Dan Garguilo, and Remi Canton headed, worked at the Mugonero Hospital in Kibuye, Rwanda, where they installed a 10,000 L rainwater catchment system on the main hospital building. The piped hospital water delivery system is prone to supply issues during the dry seasons. The new rainwater catchment system provides a water collection and storage system for the hospital and surrounding community to maintain a continuous water supply. Complete details of the project are available in the summary report.
January 2006 Solar Powered Lighting Implementation
In January 2006 Kiran Vinta and Ron Garan of the EWB-JSC chapter partnered with the EWB-CU chapter to install solar powered lighting at the Mugonero Hospital. The lights provided for the hospital operating room, first requested by resident American surgeon Dr. Mark Ranzinger in May 2005, were installed as part of a larger system providing lighting for the surgery prep room, two nursing stations, the delivery room, and hallways leading to patient rooms. This system consisted of three 102 watt solar panels and ten 50 amp-hour batteries. A smaller system lights the administration building and dental clinic. This system also powers emergency internet communications. Complete details of the project are available in the summary report.
May 2005 Assessment Trip
A May 2005 assessment trip by members of EWB-JSC determined the specific needs of the Mugonero Hospital and has led to the development of our first chapter implementation project, scheduled for January 2006. Photos from the trip are available.