WAY UP OVER MY HEAD

I remember as a kid traveling from Arkansas into Texas and seeing water towers dot the landscape. Every little Texas town had its own water tower with the local high school mascot emblazoned. This was a symbol of honor to every small Texas community even after the tower was no longer used for water. In Americana, the tallest structure is always a symbol of identity to that locale whether it’s the Sears Tower, Empire State Building, or former World Trade Center. Therefore, every tiny Texas municipality prided itself on these emblematic overhead reservoirs.

During the food preservation workshop for Borno women from February 11-15, 2008, the INTERCEP overhead water tank was constructed. After several consultations with our architect, solar engineer, and farm manager, we agreed on a height of 7 meters. On two occasions, inferior iron bars were brought to the Pompomari farm site for construction. Thankfully, Ebenezer Udofia was there to immediately reject these substandard materials. Poverty stricken contexts are known for using low-grade equipment which cannot withstand the test of time.

As Dave Goolsby and Randall McAdams observed the welder bonding the galvanized steel pipes together, his work demonstrated quality craftsmanship. As the pipe structure was set upright, everyone began to be in awe of the welder’s handiwork. Eventually, the pipe framework was positioned into 6 deep holes and carefully cemented to insure its durability. As the wooden planks were laid on top of the pipe rectangle, it was difficult to keep the workshop trainee’s attention. Then, the 6,000 liter plastic tanks were carefully lifted on to the wooden planks which could be seen from a kilometer away.

Now that the drilling of our INTERCEP farm borehole is nearly completed, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our solar accessories in mid-March from the United Kingdom. Once the solar equipment is installed, we are excited about the steady flow of water that will supply these overhead tanks for our drip irrigation farm. Additionally, we are enthusiastic about converting our current ground reservoir into a fishery. The nutrients from this fish pond will equally supplement the Borno sandy soil with needed trace elements. Yet possibly the greatest effect from these water tanks will be the thirsty Pompomari citizenry who will gather to fetch their “cup of cold water.”

The Almighty discusses how an illuminated city set on a hill cannot be hidden. This is the sheer visual impact of these plastic overhead tanks on the Pompomari community. Not only does it tell the neighborhood that we care about their need for water but that we hope to share the Water of Life. One of our Wulari shepherds recently suggested that both the Arewa Aid and Healing Hand’s logos should appear on these overhead tanks. Our ultimate hope is that as the local indigenes look overhead that they will look to the One from whom our help comes.