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Currently, the main source of water is a stream that runs through the lower end of the town. Obtaining water is an arduous and time consuming task that contributes significantly to the spread of water borne diseases in this poverty-stricken area. The solution developed by IIT students is a gravity-fed pumping system that provides potable water to the community of 10,000.
Led by IIT professor of Environmental Engineering Krishna Pagilla, IIT vice president of External Affairs David Baker and graduate student Alexandre Miot, IIT’s team is composed of more than 20 students from various majors, including architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. This project developed as an IPRO (Interprofessional Project), a cornerstone of an IIT education. All undergraduates must participate in two IPROs to graduate. Many IPROs, including this one, occur over several semesters.
The team has done calculations on water demand, drawn up plans for water kiosks, and considered various solutions to provide a consistent source of water. The diversity of their skills has made it possible to solve these problems and make this multifaceted project a reality, which they hope to translate into a working water system for the residents of Pignon. In addition to designing the system, the team has made four trips to Pignon. There, they have surveyed the elevations, met with town leaders, and familiarized themselves with the environment.
Their most recent trip took place in January 2008, during which the IIT team presented their preliminary design to the Haitian government and local leaders. They are currently finalizing the design of this water system, and have estimated the cost. The proposed design will cost between $150,000 and $200,000. The town of Pignon certainly does not have the budget to spend this amount of money, despite it being a fundamental problem.
The Haiti Outreach student chapter is now conducting a campaign to raise money for the design and construction phase of the project. To date, primary funding has been provided by a grant received from the USEPA P3 (People, Prosperity, and Planet), by IIT, by the American Society of Civil Engineers, by local Rotary Clubs as well as local engineering companies and private sponsors. Unfortunately, even with these donations, there is still a substantial amount of money to be raised. Haiti Outreach Student Chapter is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting university with more than 7,300 students in engineering, sciences, architecture, psychology, design, humanities, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum is designed to advance knowledge through research and scholarship, to cultivate invention improving the human condition, and to prepare students from throughout the world for a life of professional achievement, service to society, and individual fulfillment.
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