Ban Kok (Phase 2)
completed (January 2015)
completed (January 2015)
New holding tank and working pipeline
As well as a new tank, we also ran a new pipeline to the other holding tank in the village.
With the community being accessible only by boat or trek, the water system is of vital importance to the community. |
75 volunteers have been working with the local community over the last few months to complete our work in Ban Kok.
The new holding tank and pipeline will provide ample supply of running water all year round. 
New pipeline running to the central holding tank
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Image showing connecting the new pipeline to the new tank behind the village temple
Below, volunteers from Camden High School capturing their time on project
The effort from the local community was outstanding, community commitment and involvement is paramount for the longevity of the project.
Contractors ran workshops with locals on how to maintain and repair pipeline long term. Not only will this prevent the system falling into disrepair, moreover it provides locals with new skills that they can also benefit from independently.
Having completed the work on the school building we are also pleased that a new pipeline will be feeding the school taps.
Contractors ran workshops with locals on how to maintain and repair pipeline long term. Not only will this prevent the system falling into disrepair, moreover it provides locals with new skills that they can also benefit from independently.
Having completed the work on the school building we are also pleased that a new pipeline will be feeding the school taps.
Background... Travel approximately 30km to the north of Luang Prabang and one will discover the village of Ban Kok. Set beside cascading limestone cliffs and jungle the village is a remote community. The village is situated on the Mekong/Nam Ou confluence and is only accessible via boat or trek! Viewpoints from the village offer panoramic Mekong views of the river and limestone cliffs. With a lack of road access the need for basic development here is great. The village consists of a population of 243, which is broken down across 43 families. The school capacity and environment has been improved by our pervious efforts here. We are now looking to further improve the resources for the community as part of a long-term strategy with the community. |
With such a close proximity to the might Mekong River the majority of the population are involved in fishing. There will be many opportunities for visitors to see and experience several fishing techniques that can be done from the riverside. As well as fishing, rice production is of course another source of income. With a straight trip down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, it is quite simple for locals to get their product to market.
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The video above, taken by Abbey Letizia, shows her group trekking into and volunteering in Ban Kok.
The view from the village.
During the summer months of 2014, we completed a school construction and renovation, which has greatly enhanced the quality of the learning environment for the students who utilise the village primary school.
In line with our desire to implement long-term development strategies with rural communities, we shall continue throughout end of year 2014 and 2015 to commence work on improving the communities access to running water.
In line with our desire to implement long-term development strategies with rural communities, we shall continue throughout end of year 2014 and 2015 to commence work on improving the communities access to running water.
The Project (Phase 2):
To provide assistance to the community in renovating the current water system, and constructing a new water holding tank.
To provide assistance to the community in renovating the current water system, and constructing a new water holding tank.
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The project has two main sections. Of primary importance is the renovation and repair of the water pipes. This will include checking the pipes for structural integrity, and replacing those beyond repair, as well as relaying pipes where necessary to provide an increased water flow. Secondly, the construction of an extended water tank will also be important. The village has an adequate water source, but not the infrastructure to bring the water to the community in the volumes needed. Thus the new pipes, with greater storage capacity, will provide great benefits.
The outdated water tank.
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Currently the community has an insufficient water supply, evidenced by an old, ugly water tank situated in the centre of the village. The population has grown and with that the demand and need for accessible, safe and sufficient running water is now evident. Thus we believe the project to be easily justified, our previous work within the community has been successful, and the desire from the locals to assist in their own development is still very much there. By giving the community the water they need, it will allow a far greater quality of life and health for the villagers. |
