Getting there

A couple of weeks ago I was able to go visit the construction site again and after another trip out of the country I now finally have the time to write about it; sorry for the delay. To give you the best possible insight into the project and results from it I decided to re-tell you what we did on our visit – of course illustrated with pictures.

The new reservoir is almost finished

Amir inside the reservoir with one of the construction workers

As we arrived at the construction site it was great to see the progress as the reservoir is almost finished. The whole construction process however did not only include the new main reservoir; additionally we needed to build 1) a connection between the reservoir and the pipes coming from the source, 2) a large pressure chamber between the reservoir and the connection to the water network in the village and 3) we needed to put all the pipes between reservoir, pressure chamber and village in the ground.

The water for the new reservoir (on the right) is coming from the source a few kilometers up the mountain on the left

After taking a close look at the main structure we went along the path to the lower pressure chamber. Along the way we came by some of the berry fields of the berry farmers from Zeljezno Polje.

Raspberry plantation in Zeljezno Polje

Berry fields along the way down to the village

On of the village people of Balacici, Zeljezno Polje tells us about their challenges - without complaining but with a certain gratefulness for what they do have

On of the village people of Balacici, Zeljezno Polje tells us about their challenges – without complaining but instead with a certain gratefulness for what they do have

We also met one of the berry producers and were able to buy a few kilos of fresh berries from him. He told us a little bit about the situation in the village and how resilient the people are. One year after the disaster, hope has largely replaced fear and the people are working hard for their future. The people who lost their water connection as a result of the destroyed reservoir have to go to the public fountain in the center of the town every day to get water for their household. Especially in this season of the berry harvest this is a lot of additional work in an already activity filled day. It is impressive to see how hard-working and diligent the people in this remote area are, which puts the project in an even more positive perspective.

Because Caritas has been present in Zeljezno Polje with a berry production program for several years now, our organisation is well known and respected in the region. Which doesn’t mean that the people are not curious about what we are doing – which is good.

The village representatives of Balacici waited for us at the lower pressure chamber, together with people from the construction company and from the supervision company.

Discussions at the lower pressure chamber

The local village representatives are waiting for us

View from the lower pressure chamber

At this location it is very nicely visible how scenic this place is (click on the photo to see it in full size).

360 degree panorama by the lower pressure chamber

A little bit further down towards the village we see how the new pipes are being put into the ground. In order for the pipes to be accessible in case repairs are needed, they are put into the ground right next to the path. When we arrive at the excavator we are right above and only about 50 meters from the old reservoir where the landslide started.

The small excavator is digging up the trench for the new pipes

Back up by the main reservoir we discuss the further steps of the project. It is important that the village representatives are present and actively engaged during our visit because it will be the village that will be responsible for the maintenance of the reservoir and the whole water system, just as it was before it was destroyed.