Australian Goodwill Bicycles Abroad

Mr Manuel de Christos aged 60

Mr de Christos lived in Liquica, ½ kilometre from our distribution centre. He was of Portuguese background and for many years took personal responsibility for the water works of the villages. The pipes which came from far up the river were at least 20 years old and in very poor condition. It was a 5 kilometre walk up the river to where the pure water was tunnelled into the pipes. Due to the unpredictable river surges, he would often have to walk up the river 4 or 5 times a week to repair the pipes, carrying as many tools, joiners and cement needed on his back. His 8 year old son accompanied him on these missions. We arranged for Oxfam to donated a 1000 metre piece of PVC pipe and organised the locals to carry it to the top. This bypassed a lot of problems but there was still 4 kilometres of pipe to Mr Manuel de Christos maintain. Manuel had been doing this for 15 years with no pay and little help. When we learned of his difficulties we supplied him with a bike and side car attached, we also made a large 4 wheeled trolley for him to carry cement and pipes up the river to make repairs. After a few months a small catchment dam was made that was storm proof and guaranteed continual water to the 20,000 people who were often without water. This cement catchment freed him up to concentrate more on teaching others basic plumbing and repairs at a household level. At our request US Aid decided to back-pay him for 3 years work at $5 US a day. With this money he set up a small plumbing business which was built onto the side of his home. From the shop he taught others the trade.