San Miguelito Water and Sanitation Project

REQUESTING $39,100 FROM OUR DONORS

DONATE TODAY!

Total Project Cost: $58,670

Project Location: : San Miguelito, Ahuachapán Sur District, Municipality of San Francisco Menéndez, El Salvador

Project & Program Background

The San Miguelito community, situated near El Imposible National Park, is grappling with an aging water system that has served its population for over 23 years. The infrastructure is now outdated and unable to meet the current demands of its 391 residents across 134 households. Many of these households face economic challenges, making it difficult to maintain essential services such as access to potable water and adequate sanitation.

In collaboration with the San Miguelito Drinking Water Supply Community Association, WEFTA aims to address these issues by upgrading the water distribution system, rebuilding existing tanks, constructing new collection tanks, and installing modern water meters. These enhancements are expected to improve water access, sanitation conditions, and overall quality of life for the growing community. By addressing these critical needs, the San Miguelito Water and Sanitation Project seeks to empower residents, support sustainable development, and build a healthier future.

Community Background

San Miguelito is a rural community covering approximately 7 km², nestled at the border of El Imposible National Park in Ahuachapán. The region’s tropical climate and economy are largely shaped by subsistence farming and coffee cultivation. Despite the availability of clean water from natural springs within the park, the existing water system’s outdated infrastructure limits its efficiency and reliability.

Economic hardship in San Miguelito affects the availability of basic utilities, quality housing, and access to healthcare services. Community members have expressed a strong commitment to upgrading the water system to secure clean water access and improve sanitation, which are vital for the community’s long-term well-being and development.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Concerns

San Miguelito faces several critical challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The aging infrastructure of the water system no longer meets the community’s growing needs, as its 8,000 meters of PVC pipes are inefficient and in need of replacement. Additionally, the current water storage and distribution facilities are inadequate, which has led to sanitation challenges and heightened risks of waterborne illnesses.

While the community has actively maintained cleanliness within their homes and surrounding areas, the limitations of the existing system hinder effective hygiene practices. Addressing these challenges by improving water infrastructure will reduce health risks, enhance hygiene, and contribute to the community’s economic and social development.

Proposed Projects

The San Miguelito Water and Sanitation Project will focus on critical infrastructure renovations and system improvements, including:

Replacing Infrastructure: Renovation of 8,000 meters of outdated PVC pipes to enhance water distribution.
Storage Upgrades: Reconstruction of existing water tanks and construction of two new water collection tanks to meet storage needs.
Meter Installations: Replacement of old water meters with modern ones for improved monitoring and efficiency.

The project will involve collaboration between WEFTA, the San Miguelito Drinking Water Supply Community Association, and local residents to ensure successful implementation. Financial contributions and technical expertise from WEFTA will complement community-provided labor and resources.

Sustainability Considerations

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the upgraded water system, the community has put measures in place, including training members in water distribution management and financial oversight. Residents will contribute unskilled labor and time to the project, fostering a sense of ownership and reducing overall costs.

Despite the financial challenges faced by the community, their organized and proactive approach provides a strong foundation for effective system management and maintenance. This combination of training, community engagement, and external support ensures the sustainability of the project’s outcomes.

Community Engagement

Community members will play an integral role throughout the project lifecycle. Their 25% contribution to the project will include assisting with construction through labor and material donations. They will also participate in training programs to operate and maintain the system, and promote awareness about the importance of system care and hygiene.

The active involvement of the San Miguelito Drinking Water Supply Community Association will provide oversight and ensure that the benefits of the project are sustained well into the future.

WEFTA Volunteers

WEFTA volunteers will offer 15% of the total project cost by providing critical support to the project at every stage. They will conduct site evaluations and assessments to identify specific needs and assist in the topographical design to optimize water distribution. Volunteers will also provide technical expertise during the construction phase and remain involved in post-construction monitoring to ensure the system’s effectiveness and sustainability over time.

For additional information about this project, please contact us.