Silembe Update

We received additional updates from Mike Jones in Zambia yesterday, be blessed (edited):

As you might imagine, the trenching by hand and punching holes for pipes in the masonry takes time, but the piping these days goes fast. We used to tread pipes, until a man in Lusaka started importing containers of cpvc.

I bought a package of lemon grass seeds while in Lusaka. No one could tell us what variety they are, but the package has an email address. I'll email and get the story. The price was k80,000 (approximately $22 US). From what I've seen, I think lemon grass will be easy to grow and easy to multiply through cuttings, once we get it going.

I went to the site this morning with a load of timber for making trusses. On the way my clutch didn't work well. After unloading, I started the truck with men ready to load rocks, and the clutch was completely out. I managed to get home and was blessed to find some parts and the clutch is now fixed and we're good.

My plan is to try again tomorrow. I have enough money for payroll. I'll need about k2,000,000 (approximately $540 US) to buy a few more boards and the tin, which I may have, but need to calculate again after today's purchase.

I still believe the plumbing will be finished this week, though I'm missing one part that I haven't yet found in Kalomo. When we get the roof on the kitchen/laundry, and finish the plumbing before mentioned, all requirements should be met, only waiting on the permit from the council. When the roof is finished I plan to only have a couple of people working each day, keeping the place safe while continuing the work slowly. Not much money will be needed on a weekly basis after our first phase of construction is completed.

Thanks Mike!