What is this project about?
This is a project to build a bridge over the Olkeju Arus river in southern Kenya. The river affects up to 6,000 Maasai in the Olorte area when it floods twice each year, cutting them off from medical care, the local school and provisions. Each year the lives of children, the elderly and livestock are lost through drowning.
What will it mean to the Maasai community?
In addition to saving lives, the bridge will:
- Enable access to year-round medical care through a planned mobile clinic
- Connect people with the local airstrip, enabling emergency medical evacuation and medical specialists to visit
- Provide vital infrastructure to support community development and sustainable income through a planned eco-tourism business
What kind of Bridge is needed?
The bridge is expected to be a reinforced concrete and steel structure that is:
- Strong enough to carry vehicles as well as pedestrians and livestock
- High enough above the river’s 3m flood height to avoid damage from debris carried by the torrent, such as large tree trunks
- A total of 80m long, comprising a 30m span over the river and a 50m causeway
The Challenge
The project presents many challenges, such as:
- Being constructed in just 12 weeks by a team of UK volunteers and local, unskilled Kenyan labour
- Being in a very remote location, 6,000 feet up in the Loita hills, with poor road access, restricting the types of materials that can be delivered to site
- Going beyond simply utilitarian and aiming for architectural elegance, understood to be only the second of its kind in Kenya
How much will it cost?
Until the final design is complete it’s too early to say precisely. The initial estimate is £150,000, based on the current concept design, to cover all materials, equipment, transport and local labour. All time (including professional skills) from the UK will be given free of charge.
Where will the money come from?
A UK team of approximately 30 people will each raise enough money through personal sponsorship to cover their own travel costs and contribute significantly to the actual cost of the bridge. Corporate sponsorship is also required to meet the target, as is funding from charitable trusts. All money donated goes directly into the actual costs of the bridge and not into salaries or administration.
When will it be built?
It depends largely on how quickly the money can be raised. The current plan is to begin construction towards the end of 2009, funds permitting.
Who is building the bridge?
This project is led from the UK by Ed Pask, a qualified engineer and experienced project manager living in West London. The Walking with Maasai team leader is Morosua Sayialel. Sayialel will be responsible for managing the bridge project from Olorte and will mobilize the Maasai community and source suitable local building materials.
How can you help?
If you are interested in being part of the team, or would like to make a donation towards the costs of the project, please contact ed.pask@walkingwithmaasai.org.
