As a result of
the 1993 civil war, the expedition’s material infrastructure
suffered major damage due to vandalism and looting at the
time. The Nokalakevi base has lost one entire building
and everything contained within, which was used as an office,
finds conservation laboratory, photographic darkroom and
a storage facility for finds. Domestic furniture, surveying
equipment, excavation tools and expedition vehicles were
all taken.
The surviving dig house was also stripped. It has lost its fresh water supply
and the plumbing is in a serious state of disrepair (last season, effluent began
to leak into the temporary finds room). Now, water has to be carried 200m from
the nearest well as required throughout the day.
Though the house is wired for electricity, the existing wiring is tired and potentially
dangerous. The local supply is weak and often only exists for an hour or so every
evening. This makes it difficult to run and recharge basic expedition equipment
let alone keep perishable items refrigerated.
The existing kitchen, used by 3 housekeepers, is 1.5m x 3m. This includes that
space which is taken up by the oven, fridge, pales of water and worktop.
It is our intention to continue the refurbishment of the base infrastructure
until it compares favourably with the facilities available prior to its denigration.
The expedition has been able to contribute to rebuilding the base infrastructure
in small ways over the last three years. Repair of the remaining building including
replacing stolen door and window frames, replacing mains electricity (when it
works), temporary water tanks, supplying sufficient kitchen equipment and crockery
for meals of up to thirty people, construction of new domestic furniture and the replacement
of excavation equipment.
Much more could be done and therefore one of the expeditions
aims is to raise funds specifically for the replacement
of the infrastructure and eventually to enable the construction
of an educational annex on the site of the lost dig house.
This structure would contain a library, materials laboratory,
lecture theatre and accommodation for a site custodian.
If you would like to donate to the Nokalakevi Expedition, please contact
us |
