Conclusion of La Colorada Abajo Water System Project – Dominican Republic

Conclusion of La Colorada Abajo Water System Project – Dominican RepublicThis project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Sarah Casey. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to construct a water distribution system in the community of La Colorada Abajo

Sarah reports:

During the project, community members collaborated to organize and carry out the construction of a water system including a spring protection, a storage tank, private tap stands, and 5 kilometers of pipeline.

Each family participating contributed one worker twice per week, and women helped to cook for the workers.

The goal was to have a working water system, and now each home in the community has water at their house. We also aimed to have a water committee that was trained to be able to maintain the system to ensure sustainability. The community did reach their goals.

There are 3 plumbers trained to take care of the water system. The water committee members built capacity in organizational and leadership skills. They are now capable of running a productive meeting and basic accounting skills. At a household level, women were trained in proper hygiene practices, as well.

The community will continue to maintain the water system by following a maintenance schedule and by addressing any unforeseen problems that should arise.

Additionally, they will continue to meet monthly to charge a quota and to address any issues among community members related to the water system that may arise. They will cover recurring costs through their quota collection. Each family pays 40 pesos each month.

After completion of the project and returning home after her Peace Corps service, Sarah went back to La Colorada, and further reports that “everything is still working great!”

Sarah previously completed the La Colorada Arriba Water System Tank Project – Dominican Republic.

We again wish to thank The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding for the Water Charity participation in this project.