By Jacob Kheel | Puntacana Ecological Foundation Director
First Global Giving Report of 2015!
While maybe not as exciting as the heady construction phases of 2014, this is now the true test of the Fuentes de Vida wastewater treatment system: the test of time.
Results thus far?
The wetlands treatment system is holding up very well. When normal maintenacne issues occur, the system still operates at a high level – thanks to the water being gravitationally fed and the rocks/plants working to naturally purify the water, the system is proving to be very hardy.
No GlobalGiving report for FDV would be complete without mentioning our project partners Positive Legacy. Once again, on January 26th, concert-goers and volunteers from the Positive Legacy volunteered for a day of service in Domingo Maiz. The day’s service project was to continue painting the mural behind the wetlands system with educational murals, educational sporting activities through Deportes Para la Vida (“Sports for Life”, a local Dominican NGO dedicated to educating kids about HIV/AIDS prevention) and a community wide clean up – all done in typical Positive Legacy fashion; with a community celebration with local musicians playing typical music from the Dominican Republic. The community of Domingo Maiz showed their support by turning out in force with the youth of the community making up the majority of the workforce.
What’s next for Fuentes de Vida?
Moving forward the Ecological Foundation along with its project partners in the Fuentes de Vida coalition will work with the neighborhood association of Domingo Maiz to ensure the wastewater treatment system is operating correctly while simultaneously beginning preparations for the implementation of the potable water system in the community (Phase 2 of Fuentes de Vida). Before making the necessary investment in additional major public works project the neighborhood association of Domingo Maiz must finalize the formation of a water committee in charge of overseeing the maintenance and operation of the water systems – before beginning construction on the potable water system. The Puntacana Ecological Foundation is helping to consult and assist the neighborhood association throughout these organizational processes to better ensure a smooth operation/adoption once construction of the potable water system is complete. We will continue to keep all of you Global Giving Givers up to speed as things continue to advance - it may not be the most exciting thing to hear about incremental progress with community organization and/or a slow hand over of system maintenance to local plumbers but it’s the most important part and we have only just begun. We need your support more than ever.
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