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Drilling at dawn to combat disease

Late one night in May, a convoy of vehicles finally crawled into the community of La Palmerita after the long drive over muddy tracks from Managua which had included several stops to change tyres by the light of headlamps.  The Missouri-based NGO, Project HOPE, brought in the drilling rig and all the necessary equipment and camped out at the site overnight so that work could begin at first light the next morning.

Drilling began at around 5am, supervised by Nuevas Esperanzas’ resident hydrogeologist (and Director), Andrew Longley.  By lunchtime a 30 metre well had been completed.  This is the start of the water and sanitation project so desperately needed in the community, which currently uses water so contaminated that widespread waterborne disease is not just a possibility but a certainty!  The new well is to be developed to provide clean water, piped to every house, for the 153 families living at La Palmerita .

Another life-saving aspect of the project is the construction of latrines.  Latrines are a vital part of the fight to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and it is widely recognised that simple forms of sanitation can be much more effective than expensive medical interventions in improving the health of rural communities.  So far, funds have been raised for the first 22 latrines and the community are about to start work on the construction.  This is just the start, though, and this project still needs support if everyone at La Palmerita is to have access to clean water and adequate sanitation.

28/05/07