Neiafu Water Tank Project

this is my major peace corps project that i was lucky enough to get funding for through the UNDP (United Nations). We are building 50 ferro-cement water tanks at the edges of villagers houses to catch the rain water rolling off of the roof. for about 10 families, this will be their first water tank and will greatly improve their standard of living. the other 40 will go to families with very old/leaking tanks, or families in need of another tank due to family size. again, there is no running water system or rivers in my section of the island and villagers are 100% depenedent on water tanks like these. hopefully these pics, give you an idea of how its done. its all concrete and and wire. the body and roof are made using sheet metal forms, 2x4's, angle cut 2x6's and samoan tree branches. and yes i am not just taking pictures, im busting my butt too! most of the people you see in these pictures are village matai (chiefs) in my peace corps committee that i have been working with on this project and will continue to work with on other projects next year. the grant was for $86K samoan (about $35k US). this covers the $1600 (samoan) materials cost per tank. the family must pay $200 (samaoan) for carpenter's fees as well as feed the workers (us) for the 3 meals that we will be working at their house. i have been eating like a king during this project. more to come on the water tanks...