Update in Chaquiri
Construction nears completion on a ferrocement water storage tank and potable water distribution system for 25 families.
View Project Video at YouTube
The
twenty-five families living in Chaquiri have never had drinking
water. They continually use water from hand-dug, shallow pits that is
contaminated by polluted surface water and that dries during recurring
droughts. Until recently, Chaquiri was unaware that the poor water
quality was contributing to chronic dysentery and lowering their
quality of life.
Three years ago, Chaquiri attempted to improve their water source. The
community collaborated with the municipality and constructed a 120 foot
well that tapped drinkable groundwater. Yet for three years the well
has sat idle. The average income in Chaquiri is approximately two
dollars a day, an amount that has prevented the families from saving
the funds necessary to purchase a pump, build a storage tank, and
construct a distribution system. Recognizing that they may never
complete the project, Chaquiri solicited TERRA for aid.
TERRA forged a partnership with Chaquiri at the end of 2006 and agreed
to finance up to 70% of the project. TERRA required the local
government to purchase the pump and the community to provide most of
the materials and labor. The total cost of the project is 16,000 US$;
TERRA contributed 9,000 US$, leveraging its contribution to acquire an
additional 7,000 US$.
The project began with the formation of Chaquiri’s water
committee. Social organization is imperative. It not only ensures
proper use but also establishes monthly fees that finance future
maintenance. TERRA linked Chaquiri with Agroinnovations, a company
engaged in sustainable development and employed with Bolivians.
Agroinnovations facilitated the writing of
binding rules and regulations for the water use and mediated the
election of a governing body.
After creating the water committee, Agroinnovations led a practicum
to construct the water tank. The entire community spent four days
building the 10,000 liter tank on a knoll overlooking the community.
The location enables water to be delivered to each house by gravity.
The tank is cylindrical with a skeleton made of thin rebar and entwined
with chicken wire. The design reduces the amount of cement which lowers
material costs without compromising strength.
Almost two miles of trenches have been dug by hand and the network of
piping has been laid. Each house is now connected to the water tank.
Within a month, the 125 people of Chaquiri will have drinking water in
their homes for the first time.
To ensure that the water system and committee function properly, Terra
and Agroinnovations will make a minimum of six visits to Chaquiri over
the next fifteen months.
- Project Brief
- Title:
- Chaquiri: Integrated Drinking Water System
- Financial Support:
- Many Donations Received During Our 2007 Fundraiser in Laguna Beach, CA
- Status:
- Nearly Complete
- Location:
- Community of Chaquiri, Municipality of Ayo Ayo, Department of La Paz, Bolivia
- Participants:
- TERRA, the Municipality of Ayo Ayo, and the Community of Chaquiri
- Cost:
- $ 9,378.00 USD
- Additional Information
- View
Project Video at YouTube
- Project Slide Show
- View Current Projects