Project update received from Dr Neil Pundit:_x000D_
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Under our Second Phase, Public_Toilet_15 has been completed, 3 photos attached. This is a 5 toilet set site without electricity connection such that the toilets are NOT flushable. The site has 5 toilets (all Indian style, no commode, two baths, two male urinals, and normal facilities like a hand pump, buckets, mugs, lanterns, etc are provided. _x000D_
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This is the best finish of all sites at understandably higher cost. It is in the corner of High School and Middle School buildings, fenced with an entry gate to keep animals out when the school is out, all floors are cemented, glossy paint looks good. _x000D_
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The details (Hindi lines translated into English) from the signboard:_x000D_
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Raama Devi Naagendra Singh_x000D_
High School_x000D_
Public Toilet _x000D_
Balwa Kuari_x000D_
Enablers: _x000D_
Trivedi* Family_x000D_
BIT Sindri Alumni USA_x000D_
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* Note to Bal Trivedi: In appreciation of your pledge of support for up to $3K. I will add $1,710. to make up the difference to qualify for Kris Singh’s generous 50% matching through his KPS Foundation. Conversion rate used is 1US$=Rs 66.35, from Xoom (PayPal)._x000D_
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The schools enrol 500 students (more later). There is no electricity nearby. The schools serve a large community. The High School in particular serves an area of 12 miles by 13 miles, from the bank of the Gandak river in the west to beyond the Railway lines in the east connecting Hajipur to Muzaffarpur. I have asked for: extension of the electric lines, motor to pump water to rooftop, water and electric lines in each room but no retrofitting for flushing. This may take a month or more._x000D_
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1. Cost of construction is Rs 6.25 Lakhs (with electric line extension and related modifications ) or $9,420._x000D_
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2. Maintenance cost is Rs 30K per year for the 5 toilet site._x000D_
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Payable by the KPS Foundation is 50% of the construction cost plus 2 years of maintenance, amounting to:_x000D_
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Rs [0.5 x 625 + 2×30]K = Rs 372.5K = US$K 372.5 / 66.35 = US$5,614._x000D_
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KPS Foundation check for $5,614. may please be made payable to BITSAA of NA, memo Public Toilet Site 15, sent to my address above. Your questions and comments to me, and your approval to Kris for him to direct issue of check. As always our gratitude to Kris for his sustained generosity._x000D_
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Our kudos to our Alum Bal Trevedi, Dr Neil Pundit and Dr KP Singh