Chlorination Program in Trinidad

USAID is a US government aid agency that funds and manages development programs in poor countries all over the world.  Currently USAID is implementing a series of programs in the western region of Honduras related to various themes such as watershed protection, drinking water quality, wastewater management, and solid waste management.

In the municipality of Trinidad, which includes more than 20 small towns and communities, I am supporting USAID and the municipal government of Trinidad in the implementation of a chlorination program.  Recently, a promoter from USAID gave a workshop in the community El Tigre on the proper application of chlorine at the community water tank to disinfect the water that is distributed to the taps of the community members.  Several water governance boards (juntas de agua) from all over the municipality of Trinidad attended to learn the proper methods.

Dolan from USAID in front of the storage tank

Measuring the dimensions of the chlorination box on top of the tank

Mixing the powdered chlorine into solution

In my final months as a PC volunteer in Trinidad one of my most important contributions will be accompanying municipal workers to as many communities as possible providing technical assistance in the application of chlorine in their water systems.  I hope to train several municipal workers so that they can continue assisting technically the juntas de agua and monitoring chlorine application after I am gone.

Pouring the chlorine solution into the chlorine box

Also, the municipal government is establishing a “chlorine bank” where juntas from the surrounding communities can come to buy chlorine.  They already have a similar system; however, due to lack of promotion, it is not being properly managed or utilized.  I hope to get this chlorine bank back on track as well.

View from atop the tank