EWB in Fragosa

The Engineers without Borders – Lehigh University chapter made its first official visit to La Fragosa on their most recent trip this month.  This group last visited in March to finish up another engineering project in the town of Pueblo Nuevo and made an unofficial trip up to Fragosa where they completed some preliminary social studies in the community.  Based on the results of their March trip they decided that Fragosa is a good candidate for their next EWB project.  The project is to include a permanent drinking water system (intake, storage tank with chlorinator, and distribution system) as well as latrines and pilas (for home water storage) at every home.

The group had much to accomplish during this trip including a topographic survey, a more extensive social survey, water quantity and quality studies, and community meetings to talk about the future project.

EWB split its members into two groups: one for topographic surveying, the other to do the social surveying.  Naturally, with my grammatically-challenged Spanish and technical background, I accompanied the topo-group, while Kristi worked with the social surveyors.  Each group was also assisted by one or two community members as guides.

The topographic survey was completed using a GPS (with an onboard barometric altimeter) and an auto-level (with tripod and level rod).  The GPS provides relatively accurate x and y-coordinates, the altimeter gives a decently accurate z-coordinate while the auto-level gives a more precise z-coordinate.  The auto-level measured the elevation along all the community roads relative to the elevation of the water source (a small spring) and proposed storage tank sites.  Each elevation was accompanied by a GPS point.  The GPS and altimeter were also used to record coordinates (x, y, and z) at each home in the community.  This data will be used during the fall college semester to complete a water system design.

EWB surveying with the auto-level

The social survey group visited every house in the community to compile data about each family (number of members), their houses and properties, their perceived health, and their views about water and sanitation.  They also visited the closest health center in the nearby town of Quebraditas to get data recorded by the local health care provider.  This health center is the closest medical facility to Fragosa and is where community members go when they are ill.

EWB interviewing community members

Potential community water sources were also analyzed by the group.  At four sources they measured the flowrate and several water quality indicators such as turbidity, alkalinity, temperature, pH, and collected samples for a coliform presence/absence test.  Based on these tests it is clear that there is only one feasible source based on elevation and flow rate.

Water quality sampling

Checking turbidity levels

Measuring alkalinity

Unfortunately this source has proven difficult to secure due to contentious relations between the local government and the owners of the land where the source is located.  Because of this, Kristi and I, with support from our friends Juan (from the mancomunidad) and Jorge (a local business man and general do-gooder) will be working hard to mediate a deal so that the community can have access to the water source.  It is imperative that an agreement is reached this summer so that EWB can begin the water system design in their fall semester.  We’ll keep the blog updated on our progress in the coming weeks.

During two community meetings the group explained their project goals and conversed with the community members and leaders about the community’s goals.  The format of the meetings was informal and encouraged community participation.  The roles of both EWB and the community were discussed as well as any questions and/or doubts the community members had.  Using the information gathered during these meetings, EWB will draft a sort of contract that will be reviewed and signed by the community leaders outlining what shall be expected from both parties as the project moves forwards.

After all the work in the community was completed EWB met with the NGO Agua y Desarrollo Comunitario (ADEC).  The two organizations are looking to work together on this project.  ADEC will provide support managing project logistics on-the-ground when EWB is not in Honduras.  Of course, Kristi and I will do all that we can as well to make the project a reality including training the Junta de Agua (community water and sanitation committee) and technical assistance during design and implementation phases of the project.  The tentative project timeline laid out during this trip is as follows:

§ June to August 2011 – secure rights to the water source and tank site

§ August to November 2011 – design water system and gain EWB board approval for latrine and pila designs

§ November 2011 to January 2012 – gain EWB board approval for the water system design

§ January 2012 – EWB comes to Fragosa to begin construction of latrines and pilas

§ January to April 2012 – completion of latrines and pilas construction, community education on proper latrine/pila maintenance, and excavation for water pipe installation

§ May 2012 – EWB comes to Fragosa to begin construction of intake at the water source and the storage tank

§ After May 2012 – periodic EWB visits, completion of the water system, project monitoring, and ongoing community education

Until Kristi and I finish our service as PCVs we will be actively educating the community members and leaders on the management and maintenance of water systems, latrines, and pilas.

The timeline will surely be modified as the project develops but hopefully, Kristi and I will see latrines and pilas as well as ground-breaking on the water system before our departure from Honduras in the spring of 2012.

EWB – Lehigh University worked very hard on this trip and we are very glad to have them working to improve the quality of life in La Fragosa.  The technical and social challenges and the grateful members of the community should make this a fulfilling experience for the group.

Check back later for a blog on our visit to Pulhapanzak Falls with EWB.  A few more pics from Fragosa:

Crab found at the highest water source (950 meters). I thought you lived in the ocean!?

Kristi loves cows