On the Edge

Its fascinating working in construction, and great to be able to photo people at work. There are many decisions that are made that people do not see and are often quite crucial.

These were taken yesterday (Thursday). There was lots of hanging around as we made sure that the machine driver, Norbert, got as much work done as possible. All seemed to go ok, though these photos show expressions of concern or tiredness. Read on

Rog on Edge

Rog is on edge because he has been out in the sun all day. He has been making sure that pegs in the ground are not obliterated because Norbert the supervising architect has become quite upset at the builders for not making sure that they remain in situ.

Rog also feels that Norbert is being rather harsh on Jeff the young builder, and agrees that we should not be removing the earth but rather leaving it onsite. Norbert however wants it removed and it is left to Macfarlane to make the final decision.

Jeff is on Edge

Jeff on the other hand is also on edge because he has had to spend lots of extra cash on lorries he did not intend to hire. He wants the best for the project and is absolutely doing his best, but he and the architects have not carefully assessed the implications of such a large amount of earth having to be moved.

Although his project manager Macfarlane has reassured him that he will get additional money to cover the expense, he may be on edge in case he does not get it. Also he is on edge because he does not have the cash to pay all the workers sufficient until his father arrives, and he is having to manage a machine driver who is not easy to control

Pascal on Edge

Pascal is on the edge because he works with a bulldozer driver who is great at his job when working but is not happy at having to work so hard. The Scottish project manager and architect are hanging around and he has no place to escape  - so he has to work harder for his money.

Norbert on the Edge

Norbert did  brilliant job on Thursday and we were really pleased. When we left at 5.15pm he immediately stopped work, complained at the rate of work he was having to do, wanted more pay, and was instantly sacked. In a huff he left for Uganda, and we suspect a planned drinking binge

I am disappointed because he really did a good job.

Today we had no machine and tomorrow a replacement comes - perhaps Rog and  I can get the previous one running and drive it ourselves since it is still on site!

I am always on edge because it is my nature, and I love it!

There is no photo of me on edge because I write the blog and I do not like photos of me on the edge!!!

The main reason for me being on edge is that I want to make the team work well when I am away from Rwanda, cannot bear when peoples personalities lead to friction, and when their bad decisions cause distress to themselves and others.

The Edge - its where life is!