Gansu Care: Summary of Water Reservoir Project at Zhengjia Elementary

Lanzhou Jingcheng Public Service Center is located in Gansu Province and mainly serves the disadvantaged groups in society, helping them renew their confidence in life and build up their self-reliance. Services include: 1) Care for the rural children left behind 2) Care for children after surgery 3) Concern for the old public service areas 4) Carrying out a variety of public training, consulting, and advocacy activities.

May 11, 2016: Field Visit to Evaluate the Water Situation

Dongxiang County is considered a poor region at the national level. The water supply is very limited all season long here, so the locals rely on wells to store water.

​On May 11, 2016, representatives from the Hong Kong Growth Hope foundation and the Gansu community service center visited the three elementary schools at Dashuxiang. They observed that the residents and schools needed to rely on water transported from the county center.  

The Zhengjia Elementary School had an old well that leaked constantly and only held about 2-3 cubic meters of water, which was not sufficient to cover a 2 week supply, especially during summer time.  We wanted to build a well that could hold 20 cubic meters to cover 3-4 month’s water supply for the school, which would significantly improve the situation.

The Zhengjia Elementary School we visited is an elementary school with Grades 1-6. It serves a total of 137 families from 7 communities. Currently there are 62 students (25 in 1st grade, 7 in 2nd grade, 6 in 3rd grade, 15 in 4th grade, 6 in 5th grade, and 5 in 6th grade). There are 33 girls and 4 teachers (one female teacher).  Due to the poor commuting conditions, students from 4 communities cannot come to school.  With the construction of a new highway nearby, the enrollment will increase in 2 years.

October 10, 2016: Well Construction Begins

​After the evaluation from the trip, it was agreed to proceed with the well construction project. The proposal was submitted and approved for initiation on October 10, 2016.

During the construction period, Gansu Care workers kept contact with the school to monitor the project's progress.  After one week of hard work, the well was close to completion.

November 2, 2016: Well is Completed and Inspected

By the end of October, the construction was completed.  After the well was washed, dryed, and filled with water, it was ready for use. We went back to the school to conduct the final inspection on Nov 2, 2016.

​After the inspection, we presented the project overview to the director of the school district and took care of the last payment.

The well was put to use, and the students and teachers were thrilled. They no longer need to worry about the shortage of drinking water this winter.

November 22, 2016: Publicized in Lanzhou Newspaper

The well project news was published in a Lanzhou newspaper.

​Original articles (1, 2, and 3) translated by Margaret Li, edited by Carolyn D.