This project is made possible through the partnership of WATER CHARITY and the NATIONAL PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION. 
Location
Colquejahua, Pucará, Lampa, Puno, Perú
Community Description
Colquejahua is a rural community on the high plains of Lake Titicaca. Community members have a strong tradition of working to achieve community projects. The village is located at 3,900 meters (12,825 feet) above sea level. Sixteen families have formed the Association of Agricultural Producers of San Juan de Sipi (the Association).
Problem Addressed
Like the rest of the region, rainfall in Colquejahua is a major determinant of agricultural success, including herd size. Rains may come late, or be too short, for a good crop. Even on a good year, pasture is poor in the dry season.
The Association previously tried a small-scale sprinkler system, which proved to be inefficient and costly.
Project Description
This project is to provide an effective irrigation system for the use of the community.
Because the water table lies just a few meters below the surface, an irrigation system will vastly improve agricultural production.
This system requires a complete line and connection to each members’ strategically located wells that are distributed by pumps across the pasture. The system of pumps and hydrants will be operated by the Association. It will provide a model for economic development in the region.
Here are some features:
• The project will provide 12 sprinkler systems to 12 different families
• The system consists of one line of aluminum piping that is 48 m long with 6 sprinklers
• The sprinklers are spaced 9 meters apart
• The sprinklers are made of plastic, are 3/4 inch in diameter and spray in a circular motion
• Each sprinkler covers an area of 180 square meters
• The system is connected to a hydrant and can be moved as long as it has a connection to a hydrant
Project Impact
80 people will benefit from the project.
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
The project will be administered by Ralph Bolton, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Peru,’62-’65), and founder and director of The Chijnaya Foundation. Work will be done under the direction of Chijnaya’s operational arm, Association Pro-DIA, a legally-constituted Peruvian counterpart.
On-the-ground work is being managed by Kimmy Mazza, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Peru,’16-’18). The work of Ralph and Kimmy with Peace Corps Peru spans over half a century!
This project is a part of the Altiplano Water Program – Peru.
Monitoring and Maintenance
The Association will collect funds sufficient to maintain the facilities, conduct repairs, and perform replacements when necessary.
Project Funding
This project has been funded by the Paul Bechtner Foundation.
