Juba Road Construction Update: The Roof is up!
June 16, 2015
As you may have seen on our social media channels (Facebook and Twitter), and updates on our website, we are busy building a teachers’ house at Juba Road Primary School. The construction team, overseen by our contractors, have been working hard to build a fantastic home for the teachers- from its solid foundations, all the way to the ceiling rafters.
The builders on the ground have been working hard at the building site, but have also created a positive working environment; the builders spend their breaks eating beans and rice together, and have a laugh as they wash their clothes in the afternoon sun.
As you can tell by the photos, things are shaping up nicely and the structure is beginning to look like a real house- last week, the roof was fitted which marked the beginning of the end of the construction phase! Now, the team will be working on completing the internal works like fitting screens, plastering, and painting, as well as installing solar panels. The builders will also fill in the back-filling around the house, and lay concrete on the floors.
Vincent and the construction contractors have been working hard to ensure the high quality of all the building materials, and workmanship. However, like any major project, there have been several challenges along the way. For example, due to the rural and isolated setting of Juba Road Primary School, it can be difficult to procure high-quality raw materials. As such, Vincent has been working endlessly to source locally-produced bricks which meet our rigorous specifications. And where there is a will, there’s a way, because the bricks which he found are-according to the experts-excellent!
As part of African Revival’s memo of understanding with Juba Road Primary School, the school has also established a maintenance committee who will be responsible for looking after the building, so that it stays in tip top condition for many years, and can benefit as many teachers as possible. The maintenance team of five includes teachers, and parents who are eager to maintain the school’s facilities so that children can learn in a clean, functioning, and welcoming environment.
Currently, the team maintenance committee are planning to build a hedge between the classrooms and the teachers’ house to offer more privacy, as well as hedging the perimeters of the school property. Should things stay on schedule, African Revival is hoping to officially hand over the house to the school and its teachers at the middle of July.
Keep your eyes peeled for the grand reveal when all the last minute works have been completed, and the house is ready for the teachers!
