A Proposal for transforming Luhombero
The main purpose of this document is not to bemoan the past or to point fingers. Instead, to invigorate the present, one must begin by imagining a better future. An optimist can easily see the potential for improving the quality of life at Luhombero is high.
There are two wells that can be refurbished in order to irrigate an excess of uncultivated land.
There is also a surfeit of sturdy, brick buildings that can be cleaned, repaired and upgraded at relatively little expense.
And there is a new parish priest who understands subsistence farming. He has already proved his practical abilities by overseeing the construction of a large new church at Kasita.
Few would argue that the parishioners at Luhombero should not have access to a basic standard of living commensurate with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for healthy and productive families in the 21st century.
Let there be light and let there be drinking water, improved sanitation, a store, a soccer pitch, agriculture year-round (including the dry season).
After assessing a range of projects and rehabilitation initiatives, herein is a blueprint for a long range program of revitalization for the village of Luhombero and its surrounding territory. Ideally this revitalization could be led and undertaken by the Catholic Church. Within the first week of his arrival, Father Placid Kindata was able to instigate a myriad of small improvements [outlined in the appendix]. But historically Luhombero has not been a high priority within the Mahenge Diocese.
If providence and planning allows, Luhombero could be re-born with the addition of a kindergarten, a refurbished grinding machine (already in place), two upgraded wells (already in place), a tractor for year-round agriculture, a community centre, a garden, goats, chickens, a pigsty, a lot of paint a little bit of plumbing, a modern kitchen, an upgraded dispensary, reliable internet access, modest living quarters for visitors and reliable transport in case of emergencies.
The people of Luhombero are not only eager to have safe water, they are also hungry for change.
Rehabilitation & Revitalization Initiatives
Community Centre
This building exists. It is 26 metres long and seven metres wide. It is five metres high. It needs to be upgraded in order to be used for a wide variety of purposes that include: a public meeting place, ceremonies (weddings), showings of educational films, indoor market (rainy season), rehearsal space, etc. Currently there is no other place for the community to converge other than the church on Sundays.
The challenges include: a new roof, replastering, painting, chairs, electrical wiring, new doors, a projector, eleven new windows, curtains. There is a viable anteroom to be upgraded to serve as an office to oversee new agricultural programs.
Well #1 — Public Use
It needs to be increased in depth to increase water supply (manual labour required). Sanitation measures need to be taken to assess the water quality. Pipeline must be purchased and installed to connect the existing well to the community. Well covering required.
Well #2 — Agricultural Use
It needs to be increased in depth to increase water supply (manual labour required). Sanitation measures need to be taken to assess the water quality. Pipeline must be purchased and installed to connect the existing well for agriculture. Plastic tank required for the storage of water. Well covering required.
Water Tower
To house the plastic tanks for both Well #1 and Well #2 in order to guarantee adequate water pressure.
Two Generators
One for facilitating the pumping of water from the wells; plus one generator to service the Father’s House (kitchen, sleeping rooms, church, dining room, bathrooms, etc.), community centre and adjacent buildings.
Tractor
A tractor is essential to undertake a myriad of tasks, particularly land clearing and ploughing. It will serve also help facilitate and improve the yield of the work undertaken by the Epilepsy Rehabilitation Workers program to be transferred from Mahenge.
Plastic Pipelines
For delivery of water from Well #2 to the surrounding farms. All pipelines will require taps. Sprinkler systems can consist of portable tubing with small holes.
Here is what a tractor from Dar es Salaam will cost. We are looking into other options as well and have recently been able to provide a pick up truck from Europe. So now, the villagers have a way of getting surplus vegetables to market.
The Livestock Hall
This building exists. It is approximately 14 metres long and 10 metres wide. It is 11 metres high. Roofing is required, as well as plastering and painting. This sturdy building affords easy accommodation above the rafters for storage of agricultural and livestock supplies. It is noteworthy that renovation for the accommodation of livestock (cows, pigs, goats, etc.).
Farm Equipment
Shovels, hoes, pitchforks, picks. Organic manure will be used from the Livestock hall.
You may download the wish list here. It is a large (3mb) file
Kitchen and Pantry
The building exists but it is completely rudimentary, without electricity, or adequate water supply. Gas cookers are required, plus gas tanks, kitchen utensils. Painting and plastering is necessary. Proper cleaning products for hygiene. Cupboards. A refrigerator.
There is excellent pantry area adjacent to the kitchen that can be upgraded with relative ease.
Father’s House
The building exists. Currently it is being renovated to include four bedrooms. Furnishings are negligible. Plastering and painting is required. Most importantly, a standard power supply must be installed and modernized to include sufficient electrical outlets in all areas–as well as adequate modern lighting to obviate the cave-like atmosphere.
There is an extensive upstairs area that has been entirely ignored. A clean-up process has begun in order to rejuvenate the upstairs for storage and a potential office area.
Chicken Coop
The building exists. Modifications would be basic. A new door and windows are required, along with some replastering. Supplies can be stored in the nearby kitchen pantry.
APPENDIX
During his first week of residence, the following improvements and purchases were made by Father Kindata with his own money.
– purchase of a generator ($300 U.S.)
– purchase and installation of a submersible pump
– installed new plumbing for four rooms (work ongoing), including the hiring of a plumber
– purchase of four toilets
– purchase of materials for four showers
– purchase door locks (front door and four bedrooms)
– purchase of plastic pipelines (300 metres in total)
– purchase of a satellite dish
– purchase of a screen (for satellite dish)
– purchase of dining utensils
– installation of new plumbing
– upgrading of electrical supply in Father’s House, including the hiring of an electrician
– hiring workers to clean the Father’s House to make it habitable
– carpenters hired to make beds and doors (there was only one functional bedroom
– purchase of electrical materials for connecting generator with pump
– purchase of mosquito nets for four rooms
– purchase of staples (there was no food)
– purchase of prayer books in Dar es Salaam bookshop (there were no Catholic study materials)
– purchase of three footballs for the community