Engineers Without Borders, Orange County receives technical approval for Kenya Footbridge project

May 5, 2010 - PRLog -- IRVINE, CA - Engineers Without Borders Orange County (EWB-OC) submitted structural plans for the footbridge they will be building for the village of Endana, Kenya and recently received approval to begin construction. The project documentation plans included materials, building method, and safety plans for the team and the local labor that will be hired for the bridge construction.  EWB USA, the non-profit parent organization of EWB-OC, was so impressed with the Kenya Footbridge team's plans they made them an example template for all 250 chapters across the United States.

On the EWB-OC website you will see a villager up to his neck in muddy water as he wades across from one side of the river to the other. "The bridge is a critical need because it allows the people of Endana to access the Segura Medical Clinic and Middle Schools year round.", said Project Lead, Clay Stevens, an Engineering Geologist. "The river is inaccessible due to flooding when it rains which makes it impossible to pass if you are elderly, a child, or simply cannot swim to the medical clinic or schools on the other side."

EWB-OC selected this project as part of a 5-year commitment to help the people of Endana with their community needs. Building the Footbridge is just one of several planned projects for the Endana community.

Professional Engineer Sean Callan, who is the Technical Lead for the design of the bridge, says of the project, "The bridge will be able to be built in about 3 months starting this July. It will be a simplified suspended bridge designed specifically so the villagers will be able to assist in the construction and maintain it after we are gone. We will use local labor and materials to help boost the economy and living status of Endana and nearby areas." Both Clay Stevens, CEG, and Sean Callan, PE, who were part of the original assessment team in 2009, will be returning to Endana for the bridge construction.

Donations continue to be sought as EWB-OC is about half-way to their fundraising goal.  "We continue to apply for grants and speak to various groups to raise awareness in hopes of raising the last $9,000 to complete our budget for the bridge", reported Grants Coordinator, Daniel Ramey, who will also travel to Kenya in July for the bridge construction.

Puja Ruparel, the Orange County Chapter President for EWB, notes the approval for the plans for the Kenya Footbridge is a boost to the momentum of all the efforts the Chapter is involved in which includes projects in Honduras and El Salvador as well as Kenya.

To visit the EWB-OC website and read more about this project or donate to the project, visit www.ewb-oc.org and click on "Kenya - Footbridge". To join our mailing list or for questions, email us at kenya@ewb-oc.org.

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About EWB-OC: EWB-OC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in disadvantaged countries worldwide. A collaboration of engineers, researchers, students, and professionals from every walk of life, we work hand-in-hand with developing communities to implement sustainable engineering projects. EWB-OC welcomes engineers and non-engineers in all fields to help us in our mission.

Media Contact: Puja Ruparel
Email: kenya@ewb-oc.org
Website: ewb-oc.org