WorldWide Drilling Resource

by Tim Rasmussen Gary Bartholomew was in Guatemala for two weeks in preparation for the coming drilling season. He traveled with Jon Hansen and a donor who wanted to see for himself what the project was like. They have been visiting sites, meeting with village and municipal leaders, and assessing the status of repairs and prepa- ration of the rigs, trucks, and equipment. Because we have over 100 wells in oper- ation, the necessity for keeping the equipment in good condition is very important. He sent this report on the situation. I have changed it just a little for clarity. It's been a busy time to say the least. For one, the drill rigs have never been in better repair for the drilling season. Often, the drill crew needs to spend two or three days doing minor and major repairs prior to drilling. They would rather be drilling, as that is where the real need is, and they feel they've truly accomplished much good when they can provide wells. Mechanic Edgar (along with Berny and Henry supporting him) has replaced pulleys, bushings, cable, linkage, brakes, etc., and we believe it will provide a "turn the key and go to the village" opportunity this year for the volunteers. We've been cleaning and organizing storage in preparation for the arrival of the shipping container. It should arrive at Puerto Barrios and, hopefully, be free of customs within a week. We had our shipping agent in Canada initiate a change to the bill of lading which will take a few days, but supposedly better meet the needs of the customs agents. I pulled a couple electric submersible pumps yesterday and replaced them with hand pumps. When we left the project last year, all was in position (we believed) to provide water for San Juan and El Quetzal in the newly formed El Chal district, but we learned recently (when Tim was down) that the power company will not install any new electric meters until the district pays the balance on all the other meters they have. It makes sense, but it also may take a few years, leaving the villagers without water. Now, with the hand pumps, they are smiling and able to access the water. We live and learn. People here have a hard life and the government does not help them very much. We need your help, either as a volunteer or donor. The project is growing and we are blessed to have good people help us. Please join them. Gary Bartholomew If you would like to help, contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-466-5075 or 509-939-1941 Tim Tim Rasmussen may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com The villagers at El Quetzal will build a concrete platform to stand on at the wellhead. WTR 38 APRIL 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®