Ccotos Latrine Project – Peru

This project is made possible through the partnership of WATER CHARITY and the NATIONAL PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION.
This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion, CLICK HERE.

Location
Ccotos, Capachica, Puno, Perú

Community Description
In the past Ccotos was only easily accessible by boat or by horseback. Ccotos is primarily agricultural with some fishing but is adding a tourist component. This community of 200 people is active in municipal projects. There is a public agreement that a balance of tourism and tradition will be beneficial for the community. The village’s location on the shores of Lake Titicaca at 3,842 meters above sea level (12,600 ft) makes it attractive to visitors.

Problem Addressed
The current public restroom attached to the municipal building is serviced by a biodigester and by a network supplied from a reservoir and pump. The existing restroom can be used only by a single person at a time. This service functions well but is inadequate for the public, especially at a time when tourism is being developed.

Project Description
This project will add a second restroom with additional piping, an elevated water tank and a second set of fixtures – sink, toilet, and urinal. The additional facility will incorporate the village’s existing pump, reservoir, and network.

Water Charity funds will be used for materials and skilled labor. Community members will supply labor for the considerable excavation that is needed.

The modular facilities themselves are expected to last 20 years. The tank and servicing network have a design life of 15 years.

Project Impact
200 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.

Monitoring and Maintenance
The community is successfully maintaining its current, but inadequate, facility. The community will collect funds sufficient to maintain the facilities, conduct repairs, and perform replacements when necessary.

Funding
Funds committed by a longtime Water Charity donor, the Paul Bechtner Foundation, have been made available for funding the Altiplano Water Program – Peru. All donations made using the Donate button on this page will be applied toward that program and will be matched, dollar for dollar, by the donor.