Roland Duvall (SIF Trainee Ranger)
20th November 2010

New Camp Built on Malabar

Rangers and visiting scientists will now be able to enjoy the full comfort of a newly constructed hut while carrying out monitoring and research work on Malabar Island, one of the four main islands making up Aldabra Atoll.

The spacious corrugated iron shelter, which is equipped with basic cooking, storage and sleeping facilities, replaces the old shack that has been dilapidated for many years. It took the building team—comprising four rangers and the Research Officer—under the expert guidance of the Island Manager, three days to complete the shelter, now nicknamed ‘Hotel Malabar’.

For most of those involved, it was their first building experience; however, the island’s burning sun could not stop them, and despite running low on water after the second day, the camp was completed on schedule. The arrival of Bizou—the island boat—with more water and fresh supplies was a boost to the group’s team spirit and the sound of hammers echoed over the island once more.

Roofing work was allocated for the early mornings, while ‘indoor’ jobs were carried out during the hottest part of the day. Unfortunately, both lights taken to the construction site failed, preventing the team from extending their working hours late into the night. However, as was the target, the last day mainly involved small finishing jobs and site clearing, and in the afternoon even a brief break was enjoyed, before Bizou returned for the trip back to station.
 

The old Malabar hut

Construction work in full swing

The building team outside the completed "Hotel Malabar"