15 people attended a pre-construction
meeting in Viviendilla this morning.
Saul Juarez (Cedesa) led the meeting. The
two teachers from the school were in attendance.
Of those in attendance only
Eric and Deyenira were aware of the fluoride problems with the community’s water
supply. It is surprising to find people who are not aware of this after having
completed rainwater catchment projects in adjacent villages.
In addition to
this problem, the people wanted to talk about the other problems in the area
which included sanitation issues and dumping raw sewage in the Rio Laja that
passes beside this village.
There was also a discussion about an illegal well
recently drilled across the river in La Cieneguita … the well was drilled using
a permit from the town of Acambaro more than two hours south of San Miguel. This illegal well is causing the spring in the Cieneguita to dry up.
This spring has played
a role in the Otomi (?) ceremonies for several centuries. This is
representative of the illegal activities that are draining our aquifer and
exacerbating the problems of fluoride and arsenic in our water.
After a discussion of all of these issues and the futility of individuals trying to stop this destruction of their water
sources, Saul discussed Cocira, the regional Citizen's council. Everyone understood
how working together there would be a better chance, through a strong single
voice, to petition for the rights of all of the Communities belonging to Cocira.
I
hope that this community will join Cocira and attend the next meetings.
It was decided that materials would be
delivered to a home adjacent to the school on Saturday, April 13. All parents
in attendance will report on Monday morning at 9 am to begin work. Saul will
come also to explain the construction process and get the cistern off to a good
start.
There is some sand and gravel left at the school from previous
construction. If we can use that to reduce that expense, we may be able to pay
Saul to go to the school once or twice to make presentations about water and
sanitation issues to the students and, of equal importance, the teachers.
A list of tools needed for Monday morning
was made and each individual made a promise to bring specific items. Deyenira
Ramirez agreed to make the Monday lunch for everyone. With everyone is
agreement the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.
Lee Carter San Miguel Midday Rotary
