San Rafael, Namasigue, Choluteca, Honduras
Nestled in the picturesque mountain region of Choluteca, Honduras, lies the vibrant community of San Rafael, home to 250 residents. Each member of this close-knit community has felt the impact of the widespread water crisis that once plagued their village. Almost five years ago, a new water source was introduced by the government, yet it only catered to half of the community, causing a rift among its members. Furthermore, the unreliable water source would run dry during the scorching summer months, leaving all residents with no choice but to rely on contaminated hand-dug wells for their daily water needs.
The lack of proper sealing in these hand-dug wells led to surface bacteria infiltrating the water supply, resulting in a continuous outbreak of water-related illnesses such as typhoid, diarrhea, and dysentery, especially affecting the children of San Rafael. The detrimental effects extended beyond physical health, threatening the community’s overall well-being and potential. By draining the residents’ health and resources, the water crisis trapped families in a vicious cycle of poverty, where precious funds were spent on medication, and time was sacrificed to care for the sick loved ones. The community members were aware that access to safe water would break this cycle of need and despair.
Upon hearing about our impactful work in the region, the community leaders of San Rafael reached out to seek assistance. Our dedicated team assessed the community’s urgent requirements by visiting San Rafael, where the pressing need for a reliable water source was evident. After drilling a new well and reaching an aquifer at 48 meters, our team meticulously cleaned and treated the water to ensure its safety for consumption.
To guarantee the longevity of the new well, residents were equipped with essential resources to manage and maintain the water source effectively. Guidance was provided on establishing a water committee responsible for the well’s upkeep, with two appointed caretakers from the San Rafael community. Additionally, a modest fee was implemented per household to proactively accumulate funds for future repairs, demonstrating the community’s commitment to the well’s sustainability.
Excited to witness the transformative impact of the new water well on their health, community members eagerly engaged in interactive learning sessions. They were educated on proper well care, safe water storage practices, and the transmission of germs and diseases through engaging visual aids. With this newfound source of clean water, the San Rafael community church aspires to develop medical brigades for the holistic care of families within and around the San Rafael community.
COMMUNITY DETAILS
| Exact Coordinates: | Latitude: 13.19468 Longitude: -87.0994 |
| Previous Water: | Hand Dug Well |
| Total Users: | 250 |
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
| Pump Type: | Hand Pump |
| Depth of Well: | 48 m |
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“In the summer, we would have no water, so we had to start drinking from hand-dug wells. That is when the cases of diarrhea started [to develop] in the children. As a community, we hope that this project will bring unity. We hope that the community can understand that together, with the church, we can achieve great things. We want everyone to see the love of Christ, and there is no better way to do that than by addressing the needs of each one of us.”
– Claudia Gomez, 38-year-old politician
Our partnership with Padilla Group helped contribute the financial support needed to build the well and educate the community on water hygiene best practices. Thank you for your support!
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