CHAPTER 69: HYGIENE, SANITATION AND CLEAN WATER

Everyone began working according to their own tasks. Lena went back to the front yard to check the injured villagers and make sure of their condition.

If any of them were much better, Lena would let them leave with an outpatient system.

Once a week, they were required to report to the clinic to see the progress of their wounds and stitches. That was mandatory no matter what.

During the construction of the main clinic that started that day, Lena used an empty house in the Baron’s residence complex to carry out her duties. It only needed to be cleaned from dust so the house could be used.

Luke and Lyra went together with Clark to walk around the village, of course mapping out the exact location for wells and so on.

Lyra had once worked in a social service project in one of the countries in the African continent. One of the work programs of that activity was building many wells for people to use.

Luke knew the method and way of making modern wells, with the help of knowledge from the villagers.

Clark welcomed the proposal of making wells, he also said that the villagers did indeed struggle to get clean water.

Even so, the problem of sanitation and waste disposal became the most crucial factor in the cleanliness of well water.

At the very least Luke needed to fully understand how the villagers disposed of their waste, such as feces and urine.

Clark explained everything without leaving out the details that Luke and Lyra needed. Not only him, but the heads of several families also gathered in Clark’s residence. They added explanations to Clark’s words.

"At least, we have three cesspits in the forest. Every three months, each family head takes turns cleaning them," answered Clark.

Luke nodded, understanding how cesspits worked traditionally, where sediment and liquid were still mixed together without any filter system, where water was not purified and simply left alone.

That was natural, since they did not yet understand the concept of a modern septic tank.

Still, if that principle continued to be maintained, the effect would be the rise of diseases from bacteria, a strong smell, and the potential destruction of soil due to waste that had long settled.

Luke could not allow that to happen, the soil sediment would be ruined if traditional cesspits were still kept.

Realizing sanitation was a complicated matter, Luke and Lyra got their own task. At least, they could know where the waste disposal sites were so well mapping could be done properly.

"How many wells have you made?" Luke asked.

"In total, 24. Ten cannot be used because they are polluted and smelly."

"Were those ten wells built near livestock pens or waste-producing places?" Luke asked, and Clark cleared his throat.

"That’s the cause," said Lyra.

"Wells produce groundwater. The liquid waste from livestock gets absorbed into the soil and contaminates the water underground. When you keep digging without caution, there are gaps in the well walls that open up and let the absorbed waste water leak inside," added Lyra.

"That is why your wells are cloudy, smelly, and unusable."

"We... we didn’t know about that before," answered Clark, stunned by Lyra’s explanation.

Lyra nodded. It was a natural mistake since they had little information about wells, soil conditions, and surrounding areas.

It would not be wise for Lyra or Luke to judge them for their lack of knowledge.

The two looked at each other, responding with a nod, knowing what they had to work on. For now, it was far better for them to focus on digging wells, since the need for water was more important.

After several wells were made, only then would they map again the location of septic tanks to hold the feces and urine of each villager.

The distance had to be far from the wells so the water inside would not be contaminated.

Lyra noted all the needs in her small notebook, also the number of family heads and the average members of each family. This was to record the exact number of wells that would be needed.

"Can we help?" asked Clark, followed by other villagers.

"Of course. The more people work together, the faster and better this project will be," Luke replied.

"I already have the information I need. Chief Clark, please divide some people into small teams of four to five to build wells," Luke requested.

"We’ll think about the materials and such. Tomorrow, we and Gideon will come to explain further."

Clark became more enthusiastic than before. He had not expected that Gideon and his ghost team were not as terrifying as they had imagined.

That ghost team now asked to cooperate with Clark and the villagers to make wells.

"Of course. I will form those small teams quickly," said Clark.

There was nothing more to ask, Luke and Lyra took their leave. They had already noted the village condition, counted the number of family heads, and learned the location of their traditional cesspits.

Luke said goodbye. He and Lyra walked on the main road of the village heading back to the Baron’s residence, where Gideon was there with Viviene and Lena.

Clark and the villagers became more excited. They shared Luke’s idea of making wells and septic tanks, something they had never imagined before.

Nozel had never cared for them, only this time they felt the concern of their new leader. That was something new and relieving for them.

Arriving at the Baron’s residence, Luke and Lyra turned when they saw Gideon helping Lena clean the empty house that would be used as a clinic.

Gideon had decided to turn that house into a permanent clinic and stop the construction of the new one.

Lena turned, seeing Luke and Lyra coming from the village toward the Baron’s residence. She waved her hand, calling them over.

Gideon came out of the house carrying a box full of trash. He also saw Luke and Lyra arriving after finishing their field observation.

"How was it?" Gideon asked.

"The wells can be dug. Clark is gathering people. Septic tanks are also needed," Luke stated, handing Lyra’s notes so Gideon could read them.

He received the notes and looked through them carefully. Lyra’s notes were clear enough for him, and Gideon was also quite experienced in this matter. So, he knew what they needed.

"Looks like we need to do something about this," Gideon remarked.

"I agree. Clark said they need clean water," Luke replied.

Gideon closed the notebook and gave it back to Lyra. "Decide what materials you need, then report it to me. Viviene will calculate the budget."

"Yes, Captain," Luke confirmed.

"And what about that clinic?" Lyra asked.

Lena came over, taking off the mask from her nose, standing near Gideon as she looked at Lyra and Luke.

"I’ve already asked the maids to buy herbal plants for common illnesses. If I find something more specific, I’ll look for the right treatment method," Lena explained.

"To help Rockvalley, we can use Nozel’s wealth. Just to help the village, I won’t allow that gold to be used for anything else," Gideon answered.

"Focus on our mission to help the village. Once Rockvalley is finished, we can help other villages," Gideon said.

"Are there other villages?"

"That’s right! I will tell you everything. Maybe, I’ll invite those two village chiefs to come."

"Until that time comes, we can stay focused on this village," Gideon explained.

"We understand, Captain."