Mechanics, life in Mzuzu and the arrival of Cai

Here's a quick update...

We're currently looking for a cheap car to buy for the volunteers to share, so we've been spending some time researching the best vehicle to get. We have four cars in mind at the moment. We're still negotiating the prices and we've brought onboard an independent mechanic to certify their roadworthiness. We do not want to be deceived by appearance!

We also want the vehicle to be cleared by the police first before paying for it. The big danger of buying second-hand cars from private individuals over here is that you may end up buying a stolen one, hence the need for police involvement in the transaction. In this case payment will be given upon satisfactory conclusion of this simple but important process which should be through within the next few couple of days.

Cai (the solar water pumps guy) arrived here on 4 August and seems to have settled in well, but I think he will struggle to find the materials he needs in Mzuzu. Like us, he needs to do a lot of internet based research and the slow connection we have is not helping matters at all!

We've linked him up with reputable people in institutions where he can get professional advice on what to do.

To hear more about what Cai is up to have a look at his blog where he's uploaded a short film of his first few days in Malawi: www.solar-aid.org/project_water_pump/.