"Truly a Family" | The Perspective of a Project Engineer in Haiti
October 16, 2014
Brian Graham, one of our Project Engineers based in Charleston, recently returned from spending three months with our staff in Haiti. Before coming to Water Missions International, Brian spent several months with the Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries program in Haiti overseeing water and sanitation projects. During his stay, Brian picked up Creole, providing a smooth transition into the Haitian culture when he arrived mid July.
What was the purpose of your stay at WMI-Haiti?
My purpose in going to WMI Haiti was to bring up the engineering team’s capacity. WMI has one engineer on staff and a lot of technicians. My goal was to help them understand our design process and work with them to enhance their engineering skills.
Tell us more about that.
I sought to make our processes understood. For instance, when we go out and assess a village, what are we looking for? If we travel an hour to go assess a village and forget to take a water test [kit], when we get back we won’t have the proper data. We worked to emphasize what to do and the correct way to do things, but also how to properly use the information gathered from assessments.
Understanding the theory behind our design of water projects isn’t easy. On the surface, it’s simple: Water Missions uses solar panels, pumps, and pipes. And different distribution configurations like reservoirs and tap stands. But why do we choose metal pipes instead of PVC pipes? How do we determine sizes of pipe? Why do we use four solar panels rather than eight? Why do we use solar panels at all? Why don’t we let the water fall down from the mountain and use gravity as our energy source? The questions go on.
I worked with a completely Haitian staff in my three months. It was just fun to be around them. Our staff spends the majority of their time in the field, simply grateful to do the work before them. It’s rare to have a steady job in Haiti, and about 80% of most families live in poverty.
Tell us about one of your favorite moments.
I worked on an installation of a Living Water™ Treatment System. We tested the system and trained the operators while we were there. We turned on the water for five hours during testing, and it was nuts. People gathered around; everyone wanted to drink it.
Did you gain any new insight about the work WMI does?
I’m honestly proud to be able to work for Water Missions. We invest so much into our Living Water™ Treatment Systems, and for a community of 1,000 – 3,000 with really dirty water, we are the best solution. We have so many opportunities thanks to the solar technology, high quality pumps, and community development work to reach communities all over Haiti, even ones deep in the bush.
What did you do on the weekends?
I played Frisbee sometimes, went to the beach, and went sightseeing in the Port au Prince mountains.
What’s a takeaway from being in Haiti?
In Haiti, they always show compassion, they always listen, and they always help their neighbor. They don’t elevate themselves above one another. Because of that culture and the leadership of WMI-Haiti, the staff there really is a family.
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