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Seabees Strengthen Bond, Upgrade Water System in Djibouti

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081010-02
Release Date: 10/10/2008 5:34:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW/SW/AW) Ronald Gutridge, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Det HOA Public Affairs

NAGAD, Djibouti (NNS) -- A crew of six Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, based out of Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., completed construction on a new water distribution system for Nagad Village Sept. 27.

The project upgraded the village's existing system and will supply cleaner and safer water as well as a separate water access point for the village animals.

The project replaced the existing system which consisted of multiple faucets which the villagers used by connecting hoses to them and then running the hoses to their homes. The system leaked severely, which produced puddles of water and mud, thus creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carry malaria, a vector-borne infectious disease that is widespread in Africa. It kills between one and three million people each year, mostly young children. The puddles also attracted local goats, donkeys and camels which further contaminates the area.

The Seabees completed construction of a new concrete foundation and then installed piping for 26 new faucets, eliminating the problems caused by the leaks. They also installed two new 75-gallon water troughs for the village animals so they will no longer drink from the same water system used by village residents.

"The upgrades we completed will have a tremendous impact on the whole community." said Construction Electrician Constructionman Apprentice Douglas Sager. "Knowing that [the Seabees] improved the quality of life of so many people and receiving the many thanks from the locals makes this project well worth the time and effort."

For the residents of Nagad and the Seabees, this water distribution system represents more than just clean water to drink. It strengthens the bond between the United States and Djibouti.

NMCB 4 Detachment Horn of Africa is currently on a six-month deployment supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and is completing missions in various countries in Eastern Africa.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/.