FISHERMEN DECIDED - PULAU RAYA

A single banana tree gets full protection from wild pigs and domestic buffalo at PULAU RAYA west camp. While the debate over relocating LHO KRUET continues, the fishermen on PULAU RAYA are determined to return and rebuild. Those with land that is elevated are building on old foundations and the rest are building 3m x 4m timber framed structures with iron roofing to cope with the coming rainy season (May till November). The greatest need is for supplies of roofing iron, nails, bolts and tools. There is enough fallen timber for planks and the process of milling suitable trees has started. The community is especially excited by the gererator, power tools and chainsaws donated by Canadian Relief.

A fallen tree is converted into lumber for housing. Rather than burning the logs and coconut trees that are piled up all over the island, the fishermen on the island want to convert them into buildings. There is a shortage of chainsaw operators so our volunteers are training some of the young men to use the chainsaws and powertools every day.

The fishing nets and canoes we donated last trip are producing results. Now that the fishermen have ice from Batavia, they can keep the fish they catch. We have offered to purchase everything they want to sell and word is spreading fast.