Trying to Outrun the Torrential Rains
When the rains begin in Africa’s sub-Sahara construction projects crawl to a near stop. This is especially true when that construction is on the roofs of buildings. It is not unusual for the brick sidewalls of many buildings to just “melt away” from the rain and moisture during the rainy season in the countries of the southeastern portion of the continent.
The maternity facility at Thondwe was constructed in 1973-74 and for the intervening 30 plus years has been serving an area from Zomba, on the east, and the original capital of Malawi to Blantyre on the west, the commercial center of the nation. Mark Thiesen reports that approximately 60 to 80 babies are born in the facility every month. This fact made the statement from the Malawi government especially hard for both sides to contemplate. Although the facilities, supplies and equipment on the inside of the building were adequate and up to acceptable standards the roof on the outside was a different matter.
The roof could not pass inspection and if it could not be fixed immediately the government announced they were going to have to shut down the facility. Part of the funding to solve the problem had been made available through Namikango supporters back in the US but a sizeable amount was still needed to begin the work. In August members of the Malawi Project learned of the problem and immediately solicited the needed funds from the Project’s Board of Directors. The funds were released to complete the job and construction started as quickly as the supplies could be purchased.
There was no time to waste. Storm clouds were already forming over the big lake to the east and the tropical rains were not far away. If the rains arrived before the roof could be completed the problems could be insurmountable and a great deal of damage could be realized.
All through September and October the work moved at a rapid pace. By early in November with the rains now upon them the problem was solved. Breaks in the weather had made it possible for the roof to be completed before damage was incurred.
You can see photos of Namikango Maternity Hospital here.