The next stage of the project was to create a partition and add some shelves. We had already visited Gikomba market in Nairobi to buy linoleum, carpet mats and chairs. Now we had to get started.
As promised, Kitonga the builder, came to school, measured everything and gave a quote. Unfortunately, although we knew he would do a professional job, his costs were way beyond what we had to spend. Bonface was determined that we could do it cheaper.
We decided to use Wambua, who had some experience from other school projects and from building his own house. He, too, took out his measuring tape and calculated what was needed. It took almost two days for him to be happy with his plan and the resulting shopping list.
Bonface and I had visited several timber yards in Rongai and identified the one that had the best prices and everything we needed to make our partition – wood 3”x1”, 6”x1” and 3”x2” plyboard, screws, nails, a door, a frame, handle and hinges. I found myself becoming quite the little carpentry expert.
Measurements taken, Bonface and Wambua headed to the supplier. Wambua handed over his piece of paper containing the requirements. There was a moment’s silence. “I see this is a very big house you are building,” said the owner, “Is it two stories?”
What??
Bonface took the paper and looked at it. Wambua was trying to order 750 ft of wood to make a partition and a few shelves! The cost was to be 105,000KS! Clearly there had been a wee mistake in the calculations. He had the measurements to build a wooden Taj Mahal by the looks of things. Needless to say, Bonface did not complete the order.
Once back at school, we drew out a proper plan and measured, checked and double checked ourselves. Confident we had the right quantities, Bonface returned to make his order of less than 200 ft of wood. It was actually delivered to the school before Bonface returned! Now we were ready to begin!
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