Build Bridges for Health, Education & Hope - Nepal

If you follow the tale of Nepal's politics, you know that after many years all parties to the long conflict are now part of the government. For our bridge-building colleagues in Village Solutions, the startup founded by our former EcoSystems manager, this means that now they can safely send a crew to each WireBridge for routine maintenance. This was not possible for a long time.

It costs between $18,000 and $26,000 to build a WireBridge today, roughly the price of a very inexpensive auto. To maintain a WireBridge we estimate is probably less than that for a car--perhaps around $600 per year. Most of this expense is to replace the tow rope, and periodically to replace the only moving parts: the metal wheels and bearings. A team of volunteer engineers is presently reviewing the design of this "trolley" with the goal of substantially extending the running life, and thus reducing the maintenance cost.

The thirtytwo existing WireBridges will be put on a routine maintenance program. These provide the missing link to school for hundreds of children -- a very effective way to provide reliable access to school, and key infrastructure for the economic and social life of these communities.

Our thanks to every GlobalGiving donor who has helped these thousands of people to reach their goals.

Links:

• Energy Map from Santa Clara University

After a few days in the scenic hills of Nepal, you the visitor will begin to see the barriers that confront the local people. As you might expect, this often puts an education almost beyond reach. Many children can't get to a school safely during the monsoon--rivers block their path. Many children have no way to study at home once the sun is down for at best they have only hearth light.

VillageTech Solutions (USA) and our partner VillageSolutions (Nepal) developed this WireBridge (project #4522) and the EcoLight systems (project #3925) as solutions for many of the communities and households.

As with our own vehicles and home appliances, all mechanical systems require maintenance--including of course the WireBridges. The communities as well as their central government have few resources, and for now are unable to maintain this infrastructure.

To keep the paths to school open, we need sponsors to "Adopt-a-Bridge", just as we do to keep our own highways clean. Much like helping an individual child in school, this amounts to sponsoring a trail-full of children. No need to build another school--just make sure the kids can get there and back home safely. Stay tuned--we'll present a bridge, ready for adoption shortly.

VTS and VillageSolutions are already starting the rehabilitation of two of the bridges thanks to generous donors.