Location
María Agüero, Bataan, Bataan District, Matina Canton, Limon Province, Costa Rica
Community Description
The community of María Agüero is composed of 200 houses. Each house has an average of 5 occupants, most of whom are young children. The homes have dirt floors and are made of wood, corrugated metal and scrap material.
The canton as a whole shares the lowest level of development in the country, and has one of the highest levels of violence. The canton was recently ranked one of the lowest in the Social Development Index 2013 from the Ministry of Planning. The inhabitants have a low economic level, little citizen participation, and weak health and education services.
The community of María Agüero is one of the few communities without running water and represents one of the poorest communities within the canton.
Problem Addressed
Homes in barrio María Agüero, do not have direct access to potable water. The community is an hour’s bike ride from the nearest river.
Although there is a public water system that serves the community, the houses are not connected to the system. All community members must share 3 faucets where they can access potable water. Children and families often wait in line to collect water that will be used for cooking and drinking.
Although some homes have wells from which water is taken for laundry and washing, the community floods frequently and the water sources are often contaminated, causing numerous cases of diarrhea and other related medical issues.
Project Description
This project is to provide water to the homes in María Agüero by connecting each of them to the public water system.
The project is being implemented under the direction of the Comité Cívico, a group of residents who make decisions and provide labor.
The Municipality and the AYA (Water and Sanitation Institute) have provided most materials, including piping, fittings, valves, and fixtures, and have obtained the requisite permits.
Three weeks ago community members started working together digging ditches and assembling tubing for water, but work stopped when they were unable to pay the plumber.
Of the 7 streets in the project area, houses on 1 ½ streets have been connected, and 5 ½ streets remain to be completed.
Community members have solicited funding from numerous organizations, without success. The women of the town are selling tamales to raise money, but only $25 has been raised.
Although the community is providing most of the labor, the expertise and machinery of a skilled plumber is required. Water Charity funds will pay this cost.
Project Impact
About 900 people will benefit from this project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Danica Campos
Comments
This is a critical infrastructure project for the barrio. Without ready access to water, many people have already been forced to move from the area to live with family members in other locations. This project will stabilize the community and improve the health and wellbeing of all who live there.
Dollar Amount of Project
$470.00
Donations Collected to Date
$470.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Danica Campos.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Danica of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Danica and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.