Infrastructure

The frustrations of power here at Samfya are continual! Last night the voltage was so low - maybe 60 volts at the most and even now my laptop can’t charge because of low power. These power issues destroy things like fridges, electric motors, pumps - it is a major problem. Unfortunately that is the way of Zambia - everything seems to go slow!

That also includes the progress towards starting the new multipurpose room (kitchen/dining/conference/classroom...). We had a very good but testing meeting yesterday to address this. The dimensions of the building in the Master Plan are just too big. Without major expenditure on steel that is difficult to get and very expensive, we just can’t build a room of that size (possible with supporting posts in the floor area which is not ideal). All the timbers here are about 5 metres maximum, and so construction is difficult! We had the opportunity to go and visit a building close by at a new lodge. It was very well finished and was a very good size at around 10x16m.

After much discussion it has been agreed upon (and to be confirmed by the board) that the new building will need to be 10x15m with the kitchen being 10x3m (total 10x18m). While this is a departure from the master plan, it will still be within the overall plan of the Master Plan. The building will be able to host large groups, will double as a classroom for an initial period if necessary, provide a wonderful space for the students and truly be multipurpose.

Please pray for the work necessary to get this underway, the plans, sourcing of materials, necessary approvals from council (not difficult here like at home!!). The stockpiling of material should be able to begin shortly.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers. I have further finance meetings today as well as curriculum meetings with the staff today and tomorrow. We are yet to hear the result of the election, but everything here is calm - not so sure about the big city! Saturday I leave for Mansa and will teach there on Sunday morning and catch the bus to Lusaka Sunday afternoon, arriving Lusaka the next morning at 5am! Oh and praise the Lord, an individual has put his hand up to support the plans for Francis going to South Africa - God is good - all the time!