This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Jessica Henry. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was designed to construct 2 holding tanks at the natural spring, providing clean drinking water to the community.
Jessica reports:
Our original request to Water Charity included plans for the construction of two water tanks near the natural spring that provides water for much of our community. After an initial meeting with our ADESCO and water committee, plans were drawn up for the exact size and cost of the tanks.
Because of an increase in local prices and augmentation of the size of the tanks, the $500 donated by Appropriate Projects was able to be used to complete one tank made of quality steel, cement, and bricks.
Funds for the second tank were successfully solicited from two local cooperatives by the ADESCO. My Peace Corps counterpart, Dany Urruela, acted as supervisor for the project, working tirelessly to send work requests to every family that would benefit from the water tanks, so that each head of household worked at least one day, or sent $5 to cover paying another worker to work a second day.
Although construction was somewhat delayed with the hazards of the season, (heavy rains and time off to fertilize crops), the first tank has been finished, and work has begun on the second tank.
The second tank, (constructed with money from local cooperatives), is expected to be completed faster now that fertilizing is done and there is a seasonal break in the rains for about 15 days towards the end of July.
I have been very impressed with the organization of the community and the work ethic of not only my counterpart, but of the community at large. Nearly every man contacted to volunteer a day of work has done so, and nearly every woman in a household without a male has voluntarily provided lunch to the workers to help them avoid having to leave the work site in the middle of the day.
This is the first time money has been donated from an out-of-country source to assist the development of our caserio, and I foresee the community cooperating should we have the opportunity to utilize additional outside funds in the future.
Many thanks to Appropriate Projects for your assistance.
We extend our thanks to Jessica for completing the project, and again thank The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding.
