Construction, Nigerian Style!

During our first 2 weeks at Egbe, we have enjoyed following the daily progress of work on the new Outpatient Department (OPD). When finished, this large building will house not only the outpatient clinic but also medical records, accounting, the ICU, the Lab, and probably some other things we don't know about!

When we arrived, the original OPD had been demolished since it was judged too decrepit to renovate - the only part left standing was the large white cross in front. Piles of rubble are still present in front of the new construction site. Initially, the ground was leveled, foundations were set, and rebar was placed for reinforcement. We have seen concrete floors installed and smoothed off and multiple walls erected of concrete blocks. In 2 weeks, dramatic progress has been made, at least to our untrained eyes.

Much of the work is done by Nigerian workers. They make the concrete blocks on site (to assure quality control), mix the concrete in small drum mixers powered by small engines, and help put up the walls. Every 2 weeks, teams of 6-8 folks from the US and Canada come to assist - many of these short-term visitors have skills such as concrete flatwork, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, etc but some are just here to help in any way that they can.

The old OPD - note the cross on the left side. This is a "picture of a picture" -
the building was demolished before our arrival.

New OPD construction underway. Note the cross is still standing.



Long distance view of the large construction site.

Nigerian workers smoothing out the concrete.



Closer view of the work.

Concrete blocks at nearby fabrication site. The darker ones in the
foreground are drying.

 

 

Cement being made the old-fashioned way!



The "team" at dinner the night before 7 left after their 2 weeks of service. At the far right, next to me, is Mark Anderson and in front of Susie, in the pink top, is Mark's wife Abby - they are the Project Managers of the Revitalization Project. In the middle, in the yellow top, is Dr. Laura Smelter, the medical Director. Next to her is Annelise Olson,  visiting surgeon. In the black shirt is our housemate, Chris Channon from Toronto.