CJTF-HOA, Seabees Break Ground on Water Well

04.22.2008

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hulle 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

By Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hulle
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 Public Affairs

SHABA, Kenya – Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, based out of Gulfport, Miss., broke ground on a water-well here April 22.

This well is one of three planned in the district of Garissa by the Seabees as part of a Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa project to improve the quality of life for the villagers.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Welch, NMCB 74 water well lead mechanic and derrick operator, said the well, once complete, will be a better alternative for the villagers than going to the nearby Tana River for water.

"The river is primarily only good for livestock; it's not good drinking water," said Welch. "In addition, for the individuals who do decide to go to the river to get drinking water, there are crocodiles and hippos, which can be very dangerous. We have heard reports of people, especially small children, being killed by crocodiles."

Welch went on to add "to give clean drinking water is definitely extremely helpful for them. We are going to be doing the wells in the villages so they won't have to walk several kilometers."

In addition, the diggers are also working with a Kenyan department of defense water well team to forge a cooperative relationship and exchange technical knowledge.

According to Garissa district officer Jack Mbiso the wells will dramatically improve the quality of life in his district. "It is a good thing because lives are going to be changed," he said. "With water close by I know woman won't have to take time to go to the river, which can be used for better things, like taking better care of their children. Let's change lives, positively."

The crew of Seabees have trained extensively for this mission, completing two field exercises together.

"I have worked with the guys for over two years now, so we have a good relationship which helps us work together," said Welch, a 22 year-old Tolland, Conn., native.

Once started, the drilling continues around the clock until they hit water.

"The first day is pretty hectic, but once you get into the groove of things and begin drilling everything gets pretty routine, and everyone knows their job and knows what needs to get done, so it goes relatively smooth," said Welch.

For the residents of Garissa, the Seabees and this well may represent more than just clean water to drink. Alfred Kiragu, a native of Nairobi, has been a driver, translator, and informal consultant for Seabees deployed to CJTF-HOA in Kenya for the past two years. During that time he's seen the bonds between the United States and Kenya strengthen.

"The Seabees are doing more than just giving the people water," he said. "They interact with the locals. Almost every evening they play soccer with the children. They drive the message that we are here to help, which they take home to their parents."

• Date Taken: 04.22.2008
• Date Posted: 04.29.2008 14:02
• Story ID: 18896