Location
Cuemal, Lamud, Luya, Amazonas, Peru
Community Description
Lamud is the capital of the Province of Luya within the region of Amazonas. It is located in the northern part of the country at an altitude of 2,300 meters.
The Anex of Cuemal is one of the annexes within the district of Lamud, with 67 households. It is an agricultural community where the main economic activity is the harvesting and export of potatoes and corn.
Adults are skilled agriculturist. However, they do not have any formal education and very few have received education beyond primary school.
Children have access to basic primary education locally but only a small percentage leave the community seeking secondary education.
Problem Addressed
The community has an existing piped water system. The water is used for both irrigation and consumption. However, the water source is not sufficient for the demand, which places a stress on harvesting during the dry season. In addition, there is no access to treated water, which is reflected in high numbers of acute gastrointestinal diseases in children under 7.
No organized water committee is in place, which makes it difficult for the community to manage and operate the water system since there is no structured payment system. There is no control on the amount of water that is used by the community as a whole, and much less by each household, causing a high rate of water loss.
Project Description
This project is to improve the water system by installing a water meter and needed piping and fittings.
The water meter will help the community to have an accurate account of the water used, which will then help them set a fair service fee. Additionally, it will tell them what the intake/ use levels are during the various times of the year and allow them to take measures to minimize the negative effects during the dry season. Finally it will define and allow for treatment of the water if needed for potability.
The installation has been initiated, but has not been finalized due to the lack of funds. The system is presently exposed, allowing children and others to tamper with the water flow, resulting in water loss.
The dimensions of the dig are of 2.8 m X .90 m. The system will be protected by a metal sanitary lid and a concrete box.
The education component of the project includes the preparation of operation and maintenance manuals, and the purchase of supplies to facilitate training workshops where water committee members will be trained on the use, operation, and maintenance of the meter.
Planning workshops will be hosted to discuss improvements in the administration of the water service and the minimization of the impact of water scarcity during the dry season.
Peace Corps Peru has already donated a water meter to be installed at the reservoir in order to start measuring water intake/ use.
Water Charity Funds will be used for the installation of the water meter, which includes the replacement of reservoir valves, PVC pipe and bypass fittings, sanitary lids, and security accessories (locks), and additional materials, including cement, rebar, and wood.
The remaining balance needed to fully fund the project will be provided by the local municipality.
Project Impact
About 335 people in 67 households will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Olga M. Cano
Comments
This is an important project that will greatly improve the existing water supply system in the community. The water meter will aid in measuring the water flow throughout the various seasons. This information can then be used to set in place a fair water service fee as well as the implementation of water conservation strategies, resulting in an ample supply of water throughout the year.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$555.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been funded through the generosity of the Paul Bechtner Foundation with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Olga M. Cano.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Olga of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Olga and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.