One of our main projects is building a zip line across the Pattriya (Stony) River at Baadi.
With a small investment in cable and attachments, we will be able to get a decent income in fares from people and motorbikes during the six months that the river is high. Half of the income generated by the zipline will cover operating expenses at Grace School for three months. The other half of the income will go towards salary for those looking after the zipline and maintenance costs. During the remaining six months, when the river level decreases, a simple bridge suffices to allow people and bikes to cross.
The zip line will allow children to get to Grace School, and the older children from Peeperkoti side will be able to attend schools in the Tikapur area. This project originally stalled as landowners tried to pitch their prices higher when we started negotiations for land on the two sides of the river.
During Marian's visit in January 2009, we were able to do a dry test run over an old river bed to test out the hardware and train the others who will install the zip line later. R, one of the children in the children's home, got a thrill and rode the zip line for the first time.
As of January 2010, land on both sides of the river has been secured and we are currently working with local authorities for permits. We are hoping to get the project completed before the next monsoon season which will begin in June. It has been over a year since the inception of this project, and patience is the lesson we are learning. We are persevering, since we believe this project will be beneficial to many in the area.
