Expansion Project

Expansion Project

There have been some issues regarding the rubble removal program; it has more to do with politics in the country rather than the need for it.  At any rate, the rubble crew has been available to help with the expansion project ‘across the wall’ from base camp.

The expansion project involves constructing 11 buildings to house future relocated staff.  The project includes building sanitation systems, water systems and the



A couple of buildings underway



Septic tank

buildings themselves.  We aren’t really part of the program, per sey, but do help out with the dirt moving part and work closely with supplying the materials when needed where needed.

Much of my day activity involves stockpiling resources and relocating materials.  The little skidsteer with forks works well for that. 





CAT skidsteer used with forks



I use it for moving skids of materials from base to the project, moving skids of concrete block into place and rough grading and moving sand, gravel and stone to where it is needed.  It’s a handy little tool and makes short order of mini projects.





Piles of concrete block



I also use the front end loader for moving heavier stuff, like cement mixers to where they need to be.  It is also used for moving larger amounts of stone and sand to the mixers for making concrete for the masonry and floors. 

Francois uses the excavator to construct the pads for the buildings. 



Materials rubble crew hauled in

 I bring him creek stone from the nearby river channel and he spreads it out in approximately 30 x 40 foot pads. I also move rock and sand to the masons from piles our trucks have brought in. 



Finished pad ready for forming



There will be eleven in all.  The national laborers fine rake and  level the pad in preparation for the forming crew to come in and lay their concrete forms, rebar, wire mesh and plumbing.



Lotsa more block



We’ve also constructed a mound style sewage field next to the new offices on base and will be starting on another one on Monday for the expansion buildings.  One additional small one was constructed for the new showers for the nationals.





Raised leach field for offices



All in all the project seems to be moving along fairly well.  Four pads are laid, three of those are poured, and the other two have block started. 







More block



We will start the other seven as materials are used up and room is made.  The project completion is slated for the end of the year.  It will tough to keep that date as we only started it a couple of weeks ago when it was supposed to have started in July.  But we’ll see.