An engineer with APM is now working in the developing nation of Bangladesh to act as project manager for the construction of the new Memorial Christian Hospital in the southeast corner of the country.
Jonathan Barrett is working with his wife, Holly, who is also an engineer. They have been in Bangladesh for the past two months.
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated and poorest countries. The existing hospital is the major surgical resource for 10 million people, although due to its age, layout and capacity, it is unable to provide all the required services.
The Barretts will work as project managers for the construction of a new facility that will better service the area. Their duties will include finalizing the design, ensuring quality and safety control on site and handling the construction budget and schedule.
The modern hospital will be three times larger than the existing facility and have the capabilities to provide all the necessary services.
The Barretts are expected to spend two years in Bangladesh. Though they have traveled for similar projects in the past, this will be the longest and most complex project they have volunteered for.
Jonathan Barratt explains that his engineering experience with APM will benefit his team of local architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical staff throughout the project.
“I have the education and experience to help build this hospital so that the people of the community can get the medical services they require. The goal is for the hospital to be more efficient and I want to pass on some of my expertise to the community and leave a legacy for the future.”
The first line of the story says "An engineer with APM..." That was my first clue that the couple worked for APM, which means they are/were being paid by APM. the second last paragraph quotes the engineer making a point of saying his experience with APM will benefit many. I see that third last paragraph confuses the issue by saying they volunteered for the project. For some reason, the couple are giving credit to APM....could it be a paycheque for working in a dangerous and distant poor country? I say kudos to them whatever the reason, for risking their lives in a nation of the poorest people and many very frightening people with big guns.