Clean Water for a Well Community - Colonia Segovia

First of all, great results from our follow-up assessment: Colonia Segovia's water system is running smoothly and the community is doing a great job of maintaining the system.  The follow-up health survey has revealed that rash incidence in community has virtually disappeared and reports of diarrhea have decreased drastically (both significant problems before clean water).   The Water Board (created and trained to maintain this system) has even expanded the system, which means even more families are now receiving clean water.

The community and local government are also continuing to improve the system through the installation of donated pour flush latrines and it is anticipated electricity should be provided in every home by the end of 2011. World Water Alliance representatives were able to meet our team during the visit and informed us their local circuit rider will add this community to their route for general support and specific technical assistance, if needed, to the community.

So what is next?

The community’s most pressing issue now is the poor drainage and flooding issues they experience because of the long rainy season, clayey soils, and lack of a defined conveyance system for their greywater.  The flooding interferes with their latrines functioning properly.   Flooding in their lots and streets is also problem because it destroys local crops, makes the road/walking paths into their houses inaccessible, breeds mosquitos, and causes unsanitary conditions Most people in the community don't have access to rain boots or even shoes, cars, or bikes.  They walk to work to sell food/clothes and they have to do so on flooded streets.  Flooding inside the homes contributes to the significant pest problem they have (rats, fleas, mosquitoes).  All of which are known to be significant carriers and transmitters of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and e coli. 

In the coming months we will work to restore the natural drainage patterns of the area and its natural outfall thereby relieving the community of many of these issues. A detailed topographic survey is necessary.  The team plans to make an assessment trip in February 2012 to collect design data and to work with the community on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on how to implement and maintain the proposed project.

Thank you for all of your support throughout the wonderfully successful water distribution project.  We look forward to undertaking the new challenges of the drainage project, and especially look forward to the benefits that it will bring the residents of Segovia.