Water and Sanitation Project – Panama
This project is to rehabilitate the aqueduct system that provides water to this community in Panama, and to construct 22 pit latrines. It is being administered by Peace Corps Volunteer M. Butterton, of North Carolina.
The original aqueduct was built in 1985 and consists of a simple spring box, tank, and gravity-fed PVC tube system. Although the pipes were replaced 10 years ago, the system has again deteriorated. In addition, since the community has grown, and there is a greater demand for water, the system must be expanded.
The aqueduct project will first provide for the protection of the water source by reforestation of the land which surrounds it. This will serve to help maintain the water level as well.
Next, metal tubing will be placed over the section of PVC tubing that crosses over the river, to protect the pipe and prevent additional damage.
Finally, the tank will be resealed with a layer of cement and the 23-year-old water valves will be replaced.
For the construction of the 22 latrines, the community will be trained in their construction, maintenance, and use. 20-foot pit latrines will be hand dug at each location. The labor for digging and construction, including building the walls, will be provided by the recipient families.
Project funds will be used for purchasing materials for the roofs and floors of the latrines.
The project will result in the improvement in the health of the members of the community by providing a continuing safe water supply and sanitary facilities to meet their needs.
This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer M. Butterton of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by PCVs in Panama.
This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of this project, CLICK HERE.
Conclusion of Water and Sanitation Project – Panama
This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Meredith Butterton. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK
HERE.
The project was to rehabilitate the aqueduct system and build 22 pit latrines, but proceeded to exceed expectations.
Meredith reports:
After all of the work was done and numbers in, we officially built 30 pit latrines, 1 waterline crossing bridge, renovated the water tank, replaced all main water valves, renovated the water intake box, replaced old tubes, and added 3 homes and 1 church to the aqueduct.
Materials arrived and the community carried them a one hour hike over a mountain to reach their final destination. This included 100 lb bags of cement, 2x4s, sheets of zinc and sand.
Every beneficiary built their own latrine. We worked together mixing cement, creating the base and seat mold.
The results are: 11 people trained in the process of designing and managing a small project, 55 people now have access to potable water in the home, and 259 men, women and children have access to proper sanitation/disposal facilities.
Thank you so much for your support! We could not have done it with out you!
We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for the Water Charity participation in this project.
