Final days for on-site director, Richard

We have been incredibly lucky to have two of the greatest on-site directors conceivable. First Emily from March - September and then Richard taking over from her. This is a photo from his final day on-site. He did tremendous work, but also made great friends and inspired many to learn much more about construction. His impacts will go on indefinitely. Thank you Richard for all that you have done for Village Life, for SHED and for the Roche community.

Building exterior nearing completion

Gutter under construction

Though we are working in a region associated with having an extremely arid climate, we found that we could collect nearly half of the water needs for the health center with a 4000-liter cistern. We have built an over-sized gutter to address the occasional deluges. We don't yet have the cistern, but we are planning on having temporary water collection at the gravel circle until then.

Roche Health Center Committee meeting

This meeting took place just before Richard left and included about 60 members of the community.

The braces within the waiting area are temporary.

View towards the valley

These photos show the view from within the waiting area as well as from the veranda.

RHC Construction Team

Our lead "fundi" (contractor) Julius - (on the right), one of our team leaders and translators Daniel (middle) and our site storekeeper Johnny (on the left).

The roof is getting installed!

Community support

The Roche community has becomingly increasingly involved in every aspect of the health center construction. In collaboration with the Roche Health Center Committee, these friends and others have been lending their hand to get things done in the final weeks of construction.

Interior plaster

The intended goal of bringing daylight deeply into the building can be seen along the edge of this wall.

Plastering the ISSB

Though everyone loves the look of the ISSB blocks, for long term protection, we need to plaster the blocks where they will be exposed to heavy rains. On the interior, we need a thin coat for protection as well as to increase the daylight that will reflect into the space through the louvered openings in the exterior walls.

preparing for the roof

The construction crew has been working incredibly hard to get the roof completed before Richard leaves on November 18. Photos show the sheathing with integrated ventilation at the bottom and top of the roof. The sheathing was painted and topped with roofing felt and then purlins to support the metal roofing.

Coke break

A well-deserved break for some folks who have been working long hours.

Roche Health Center taking shape