Creation of our biggest rainwater harvesting collection point in Kenya so far. This took several days and Joy took a much bigger part in the creation of this collection point as well as beginning to teach Boniface.
Fava and Boniface watch Joy painting the gabion baskets
Moving the big tank across the garden
The rainwater harvesting collection tank identified to be used was another already here on the KACH/IPI farm gardens, not being used and filled with dirty water (it didn’t have a lid either). This is the biggest so far at 10000 litres.
This tank had to be brought from the other side of the garden, past the solar panels and through narrow garden paths. After being emptied it was tipped over and manhandled all the way to the path near where it will be situated by a team of guys who work here, mostly tending the farm and garden.
Again, it was dirty inside. Boniface did the first clean out and once again, Joy bleached it.
Meanwhile a big platform of gabion baskets needed to be built.
The building system for these has now been sophisticated a bit. With long sides being built, creating one big basket, and then inside walls being built inside afterwards. The inside walls are slightly lower so that no nasty metal spikes protrude to pierce the tank.
The baskets were filled only with the very hard, volcanic rocks which are plentiful here, and that will support the weight of the big tank when it is full of water.
This sounds quick and easy but was hard physical work taking more than one day and two guys collecting the stones to fill the basket in wheelbarrows.
During the building of this platform, Joy took on much greater responsibility, even teaching Boniface to be certain she can not only build a rainwater harvesting system, but teach others how to.
Learning how to use the tools and become comfortable and proficient with them was a big part of this as she already understood the process. Boniface seems to appreciate being involved and seems a lot happier and more confident around us too, which is nice for us.
Finally, a lid was improvised using local materials, including a tyre for weight
Eric finds a great spot to meditate where the tank used to be
Celebration as the big tank has been moved across the garden
Joy cleaning the inside of the biggest recess;ed rainwater harvesting collection tank
The completed largest Gabion Baskets, largely made by Joy and Boniface under Hattie’s instruction
Strong Joy shifting sand
Joy using PTFE tape while John looks on with his ‘I don’t like it very much’ face
Passing on the knowledge. Joy teaching Boniface how to make gabion baskets
