Thursday 10th November 2005
The sweat was pumping on site today, as temperatures soared to 32 degrees and the wind died down. This is definitely the hottest day in the township so far and by early afternoon most volunteers were near melting point. However, a steady supply of ice-pops, sun-block and water meant that all 530 were kept in happy spirits.
But, an unwelcome sight greeted some of the teams when they arrived at the township this morning. After high winds last night, some of the newly built houses were damaged. It was nothing like the devastation of last week's storms, but around five houses were affected. One house belonging to Sky Blue, one from the Yellow team and three from the Orange were damaged. The Orange team, who were hardest hit, was understandably upset by the set-back, especially as its site is the only one which did not have Week 1 volunteers working on it. Joe McNamara became very tetchy when it was pointed out to him that this was the third time the Yellow Team had rebuilt this house. Allegations of shoddy workmanship abounded! But downing tools time this evening, all the damage had been undone and the houses were back on track.
There were two birthdays (at least!) on site today. Ruth Hearns the Team leader on the Green Team celebrated her big day last night - and it showed today! While Daragh Butler who works in Niall's office in Dublin also had cause to celebrate. There was also a goodbye to one of our veteran volunteers and supporters of the Township Challenge. Des Cahill is heading back to the Emerald Isle tonight. But before he left the township this afternoon, a guard of honour formed at the HQ compound to send him off. They also drenched poor Des (and his phone) in bottled water before he was awarded with a special statue to mark this third year as a volunteer.
Another project that the volunteers have been involved in this week is the construction of a computer room for the school next to Imizamo Yethu, Oranjekloof. In a matter of days, the builders have laid the foundation, built the walls, plastered inside and out and now the school almost has its computer room. Some volunteers have also managed to get computers sponsored for the school. To say that the principal Enid is overwhelmed is an understatement.
More VIPs visited Imizamo Yethu today to see for themselves the work that our Irish volunteers are doing, including a delegation of TDs who are in South Africa on a fact-finding mission. Led by Noel Davern, they got a personal tour of the township by Niall today. On a similar note, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, has written to Niall congratulating all the volunteers on their selfless work. Maybe he'll sign up for next year.
