This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Timothy Vanden Boom. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to improve Boca Del Monte´s aqueduct system by constructing 3 small cement tanks to serve as receptacles and depressurizing agents for the water flow.
Timothy reports:
The project funds were turned over to the aqueduct president in Boca Del Monte. The committee purchased $450 in 1-inch tubing, $20 in cement, and $10 in cement blocks, in order to realize the project. The remaining $10 was put into the water fund, which has around $200 total, and exists in anticipation of little repairs or other expenses that may arise with the water system.
On Wednesday, May 11, the aqueduct team, which consisted of around 18 men from the community, began the project. The workers began by digging a hole about 2 feet in depth and 3 feet in length in front of the spring, where water naturally flows and collects. At the same time, they used buckets to remove water from the spring and redirected a previously-installed pipe, which also feeds the spring with more naturally flowing water.
Then they filled the hole up with cement and cement blocks, creating a wall with a piece of tubing stuck through it. Now, once the water rises to the level of the tube, the water flows out of the tube with the help of gravity.
On Thursday, May 12, the aqueduct team connected the rest of the tubing up to the initial tube, which allows the water to flow out and reach down into the upper part of Boca Del Monte. The water currently reaches and can serve about 10 households at the top of the community.
Although the $450 in tubing did not quite reach the center of town and the school, it did serve as a good first step and a foundation we can build on. The next step for us is to now look at how we can solicit some more resources so we can expand the water system to reach the school.
In general, the project was a success. It empowered the people of Boca Del Monte to solve their own water issues, built a sense of community and working together, and helped them develop project management skills.
On behalf of the aqueduct of Boca Del Monte, I would like extend to you the gratitude we have for the awesome donation you have made toward our water system. Above all, water is most necessary to sustain life, so we are forever thankful for the opportunity you have given us to improve how water gets to the people in our community.
We, in turn, wish to thank Timothy for completing the project and The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding.
