Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, which was exacerbated by the 2002 Civil War and the 2014 Ebola outbreak. To address the critical need for lifesaving healthcare, Build Health International currently has 67 staff working on Phase I construction at the future Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone. Once built, the MCOE will deliver equitable, high-quality, and dignified care to the women and children of Kono and surrounding regions.
The MCOE is one of BHI’s largest projects to date, only possible through mobilization in both Sierra Leone and Massachusetts. With the support of global staff and local partners, BHI is uniquely capable of sourcing labor and building materials from Sierra Leone and surrounding countries. However, some resources are nearly impossible or inordinately expensive to source locally, such as tractors and other heavy equipment. Fortunately, BHI’s strong ties with statewide suppliers allows them to source and transport these items to Kono in the most sustainable and cost-effective manner possible.
Enter Pyne Sand & Stone, BHI’s search for backhoe, and dozens of other construction firms and employees across Massachusetts eager to help. Pyne Sand & Stone and WW Contracting are long-time partners of BHI who have donated materials and their time in Massachusetts and abroad. “They are exemplary partners of BHI and great people,” comments BHI’s Director of Partnerships Zac Chase. Andy Leonard and Kyle Lahousse from Pyne searched for a machine that was within the project budget by donating staff time and leveraging their network for support. This group reviewed, selected, picked up, assessed, and completed all preventative maintenance on the machine. Furthermore, they donated forks for the machine and designed and fabricated custom wheels for ease of loading the backhoe into a container on its own power. With the backhoe staged at Pyne, a shipping container was delivered, and the backhoe was loaded for its journey overseas to Sierra Leone.
Andy and Kyle asked local partner companies for support in readying the backhoe for shipment. Others also provided instrumental equipment. Milton CAT donated elements and assemblies for main, hydraulic, and air filters. Pete’s Tire Barn donated a full set of tires. Casey Petroleum donated oil, grease, and coolant. CWI Crane donated crane services for multiple transportation setups and breakdowns. Zac remarks,
“This is a great example of collaboration, goodwill, and how to leverage your network for advocacy and buy-in. Kyle pushing the envelope and not only thinking to ask, but asking his extended industry network for support is how this all came together.”
The backhoe landed in Sierra Leone in early December and is currently moving through customs. Once cleared, it will play a crucial role in construction of MCOE so that mothers and infants in and around Kono can receive dignified, affordable, and high-quality prenatal care, delivery services, family planning education, and more. The journey of the backhoe from location to purchase to transport to maintenance is a striking example of a community coming together to achieve the seemingly impossible. Pyne Sand & Stone and their far-reaching construction network demonstrated profound solidarity, dedication, and generosity — in alignment with BHI’s mission of an equitable health future for all.
Cecilia Needham serves as External Programs Coordinator at Build Health International. She will graduate from Middlebury College in February 2023 and is excited to continue working for and writing about global health equity.
