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Even though there do not seem to be many cases of the novel coronavirus in Nicaragua, we decided to take precautionary measures to keep everyone safe. We didn't want to suspend the project since it was so close to completion, so, working with the contractor, decided to slow it down. There are at most 8 workers at any time, and only one resident engineer and one supervisory engineer. In addition the workers stay in the worksite all day.
We had originally planned on using a gypsum drop ceiling, but after learning about the merits of PVC, we decided to use that instead. It's very attractive, easier to maintain, and in the case of leaks it is easier to replace.
Yesterday was the first confirmed case in the country, and we had the contractor install the sink in the kitchen area so the workers would have a comfortable place to wash their hands.
Our scholarship student, Henry Sevilla, is doing his internship with the contractor and is also the subcontractor for the roof and flashing. Henry built the machine he used to bend the flashing for this project. After being nailed in place, the pieces are coated with fiberglass and resin, the same materials they use to seal the bottom of fishing boats here in Nicaragua.
The concrete walls are covered with two finishing layers. The first is a light cement, made from just the concrete mix and sand. The second coat is a fine plaster material that is known here as RepoMax. These were applied manually. Once these are dried the walls are ready for painting. All the walls should be finished with the RepoMax by March 17.
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May 2020
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