Ground breaking for the Hydroelectric Project

This was a big day at Mbingo.  After 10 years of work on design, fundraising and struggling with the situation around the hospital, we broke ground on the first building of the hydroelectric system that will power the hospital for many years in the future, we hope. 

This building is called the diesel generator building so will house the two large generators that power the hospital when the national grid is off line - which happens frequently.  The building will also contain the switching equipment that will allow the hospital to use three different power sources.  The electricity from the hydroelectric turbine will be sent here from about 1.4 km away, down below the airstrip.  We will also maintain a connection to the national power grid for use in an emergency. 

When completed, the hydroelectric plant will solve the chronic issues of inadequate power which goes on and off frequently and also the voltage fluctuation which is damaging to the equipment in the hospital.  It will also save the hospital over $100,000 in energy cost per year.  So we are very anxious to get the system on line. 

Thanks to many of you who supported this project financially and made this possible.