Conclusion of Pempe Rainwater Catchment Project – Suriname

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Erica D’Aquila. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to install 43 rainwater catchment systems to provide clean drinking water for the residents of Pempe.

Erica reports:

Once full funding was reached, one member from the planning committee traveled to the city with me at his own expense to embark on a 3-day-long endeavor of purchasing the project materials.

Upon arrival of the project materials in Pempe, all community members worked together in carrying and distributing the project materials. Community members worked for two days transporting 1,376 cement stones from the neighboring community to Pempe and then to the individual areas where the systems were to be set up.

The two male community members responsible for the installation of the systems received training in how to construct the system’s stands as well as DuroTank “houses” for homes that were not high enough off the ground to accommodate the system.

The two laborers successfully installed all 43 rainwater catchment systems, including 6 systems that required the additional Durotank houses. During this installation period, the community members continued to work together in assisting the two male community members who installed the systems.

After all tanks were set up, community meetings were held to discuss the importance of making certain lifestyle changes now that the community was equipped with the catchment systems. These included using rain water to brush teeth, cooking needs, and drinking needs. Other topics discussed at the meetings were water conservation and necessary maintenance in order to ensure that the water caught by these systems is as clean as it can be and lasts year round (despite change in rainfall).

From this project, the community has gained a sense of confidence and accomplishment as their constant involvement and collaboration was extremely influential to the project’s success. Moving forward, community members will be able to apply their new skills of project planning, proposing, assessment, execution, and implementation to other needs in the community.

The community of Pempe and I would like to sincerely express our gratitude to Water Charity.

We wish to thank Erica for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to the SLOW LIFE Foundation for providing the funding.