July 2003

 

Dear Friends of Makeni,

It has been a long time since I have communicated with you. Last I wrote to you was to warn you that there would be an interruption in reports from Makeni because I had to go for medical examinations and treatment in South Africa.

Now I have to tell you that the outcome of these has been rather negative.
I am undergoing treatment to slow down the spread of cancer. This has necessitated a much longer stay in
S. Africa than anticipated. Hereafter, I shall have to return to S. Africa every three months for further checks and treatment. It is clear that I will not be able to spend so much time in Zambia anymore, unless the Lord heals me. Please remember me and Wenda in your prayers -- it is a very difficult time for us.

I will try from
S. Africa to keep you informed about Makeni’s work, although that will be difficult to do from a distance.

The following news is gathered from communications reaching me from
Zambia:

Boreholes
In June 2003 two new boreholes were sunk, namely in
Chisamba Settlement Village and in Mwomboshi SV. Water was struck at 36 metres in the former and at 35 metres in the latter. The first borehole yields 3 litres of water per second, the second one 2.5 litres per second. We are, of course, very pleased that water was located -- that has not always been the case previously.

The cost of these two boreholes was K29 million (about US$ 6,700). Now the next phase is to install the windmills, construct the towers and connect the main lines. That will cost approximately K88 million [about US$20,500], excluding the cost of water tanks and distribution piping, which we have in stock. Financial support for MEC's projects has been low in 2003, so we may not be able to proceed.

Financial Situation
The financial situation is further complicated by the discovery of thefts of money by the bookkeeper. He has admitted to a number of acts of fraud. The case is presently before the courts.

We suspect that he may have had an accomplice in the bank and we are proceeding with legal action against that bank. We still hope to retrieve the stolen money.

We continue to tighten up on checking and control procedures, and have asked the auditor to do monthly audits. Obviously, we shall have to pay him a fee for that.




Orphanage Play Park
The construction of a play park for the
AIDS Orphanage Village children, the pre-school and lower primary school children has been going on. The children are enjoying the play park enormously!

Leopard’s Hill Farm
MEC has won its court case against the Ministry of Lands with regards to funds invested in the Leopards Hill Farm. The High Court awarded the Centre substantial damages, and the Government has paid out part of the amount awarded. Further details are available from Mrs Christine Allen.


Support from Kerk in Actie, Holland

We were delighted when Kerk in Actie in
Holland recently decided to continue its financial support for the Centre. Kerk in Actie, the mission body of the Reformed Churches in Holland, has been supporting the work of MEC financially and materially since 1971!

Thank you all for your support and interest in our work!

Please note my new e-mail address which you should use while I am in S.Africa:
dil@telkomsa.net

With sincere regards,

Yours in Christ,

Fr Pierre J Dil / Founder Makeni Ecumenical Centre