Engineers making a difference

In June, the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Portland Professionals Chapter traveled to Lashaine Village, Tanzania, to oversee expansion of a rainwater harvesting system and the installation of an expanded solar energy system at Orkeeswa Secondary School, built and operated by the Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT). Addition of a second water tank and expansion of the energy system ensures there will be enough resources to accommodate the growing student population. The 60,000-liter rainwater harvesting system, installed by EWB last year, was increased with the addition of another 60,000-liter ferro-cement tank. The tanks will soon be supplemented with a bio sand filter to treat collected rainwater, and a pipeline to deliver water directly to the school's kitchen.

EWB partnered with Chloride Exide Ltd. to expand the 160-W solar power system donated by the company last year. The school now has a new 1,080-W solar energy system to power its classrooms, staff offices, and a newly constructed science lab. There is enough energy available to power the entire school, as well as a future library and computer lab. EWB-USA partners with developing communities to improve their quality of life by implementing environmentally sustainable and economical engineering projects. The organization has chapters across the country. For more information, visit ewb-usa.org.