Return to Bayonnais & Lessons Learned

John and I return to Bayonnais after a very rough return drive down National Highway 2 and back up from Gonaieves to Bayonnais. The generator had gotten so bounced around during the trip that when we took it out of the crate we found that it was not operating. Since it is mostly mechanical we narrow the problem down to the alternator. Normally alternators are very robust, so this is a surprise. John took the alternator apart and found that a spring holding one of the magnets had gotten dislodged. He manages to repair it and put the generator back into operation.

For more pictures please visit: http://homepage.mac.com/sparklinggazzo/Haiti/PhotoAlbum79.html

Lessons Learned:

The project needs constant early stage supervision.

Mitigate by making the local in-country NGO act as the primary, on the ground manager. Negotiate with the NGO to put stake in the project. Assist the NGO with guidance from dissigno for best practices of operations to manage day-to-day operations. The NGO will then not only be accountable for milestones and targets based on their reputation with the community but also with the investment and technology partners.

Provide education material for the operator in Creole clearly explaining the terms of the rentals, including costs, terms, and consequences of damage to the lights.

Use deposit to mitigate against damage to the lights. One or two months cost to ensure that users understand that they will be financially responsible for any damage to the equipment. If the deposit is a hardship, then (if possible) allow the potential renter to work on another project and “bank” their pay for that project on the books for the deposit for the lights.


Inadequate accounting and operations management

Use Polaroid pictures and a numbering system to connect users to a specific light.

Maintain regular contact between operator, in-country management and end-users.

Provide extensive training for bookkeeping and best practices for accounting. Simplify this process to account for limited prior exposure and experience.