Tuesday, August 12, 2014

2 More Communities Complete Their Projects - Hacienda de Pena Blanca and Ex Hacienda de Jesus

Lotus Humanitarian Aid Foundation and SAPASMA
Jointly Fund Cistern Projects in 

Ex Hacienda de Peña Blanca and Ex Hacienda de Jesus
With A Little Help From Their Friends
Cedesa & San Miguel Midday Rotary Club

In March of 2014, Lotus Humanitarian Aid Foundation (Lotus) and SAPASMA (Sistema de Agua Potable Y Alcantarillado de San Miguel de Allende) agreed to fund a project for construction of 18 water harvesting systems in the San Miguel community of Ex-Hacienda de Pena Blanca (XHPB). The Midday Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende agreed to manage the project for the benefit of the donors. 

XHPB had no local water source other than a much polluted, mostly dry, riverbed. They depended solely upon sporadic delivery of water trucks from the municipality which often left the whole community without safe water for weeks at a time. An agreement to split the anticipated cost of the project 1:1 was made between Lotus and SAPASMA. The proposed budget was $165,909.00 pesos for the Pena Blanca project. (See appendix.)

Simultaneously Rotary San Miguel Midday (RSMM) was asked to manage a pilot project of two cisterns in the community of Ex-Hacienda de Jesus (XHJ) in the municipality of San Diego Union. The budget for those two cisterns was $23,290.00 pesos. (See appendix.)

Lotus sent US$8000.00 to RSMM project checking account in San Antonio, Texas. That money was transferred by wire to the RSMM project account at Bancomer in San Miguel de Allende on April 22. A total of $103,360.00 pesos was received and it was allocated: $17,047.72 for XHJ and $86,312.28 for XHPB. SAPASMA agreed to fund its half of the project by providing materials “in-kind”.

Members of the RSMM project team were Lee Carter, Alejandro Guerra and David Hartman. Centro de Desarrollo Agropecuario AC (Cedesa), once again agreed to be the RSMM partner organization to manage these projects. CEDESA’s team included Chela Martinez, Holly Yasui, Saul Juarez C., and Benigno Caltzonzin.

 RSMM visited the XHJ organizational meeting with CEDESA and began to manage the financial aspects of the project at that point. CEDESA was responsible for meetings, teaching the citizens to construct cisterns and coordinating the delivery of construction materials. 

In this simultaneous project it was planned that  Lotus would fund two cisterns and that the local community would try to raise funds to complete two more cisterns. The original first Lotus cistern was planned to be at the elementary school in XHJ but the participants have been unable to obtain permission from the school administrators to put the cistern on school property. 

Because of this, the materials for the first “Lotus cistern” were moved to the community of Adjuntas de San Jose. 

A "second" cistern was completed through using community funds in the community of San Cayetano and there are independent funds available to do the original first school cistern should permission ever be obtained. The two pilot cisterns were built by a group of about 25 persons in XHJ and this portion of the project was completed May. Payment records are available on the shared Google Document.

The XHPB project began with CEDESA organized community meetings, attended by RSMM, in which the 17 families were self-selected through their participation and work with the Regional Citizens' Council (COCIRA). They divided themselves into three work groups who would send representatives to learn the construction process (kind of "train the trainer") as a cistern was built at the Kinder (kindergarten) in Pena Blanca. On most days that we visited, there were between 13 and 15 persons at the Kinder doing the work. 

The roof of the Kinder was old clay “tejas” and it was determined that ½ of this roof needed to be changed to galvanized metal to assure best sanitation procedures. Rotary agreed to fund this out of project contingency funds by foregoing part of the administrative funds set aside for RSMM in the budget. 

The community’s parents decided amongst themselves that they would self-fund the other ½ of the roof and they purchased and installed the materials to accomplish that. A good cooperative start made for an auspicious beginning.

Upon completion of the pilot cistern, CEDESA and RSMM coordinated the delivery of materials for the rest of the cisterns from our normal suppliers and directly from SAPASMA. This created extra coordination and minor difficulties, but the donation of ½ of the total cost of the project in materials from SAPASMA has made us optimistic re possibility of the current administration of SAPASMA to partner with RSMM in future projects, (we have successfully partnered with Sapasma with past administrations, & this is the first one with the current administration).

Because of economies that we were able to achieve in the materials cost, we were able to add a 19th cistern to the project,  at the local primary school. We were very pleased this worked out as the children at both schools had no safe water supply available.

Each team of 5 to 6 families began the work of constructing one cistern at each of the family’s home. CEDESA representative, Saul Juarez, and the RSMM project team visited the community at least on a weekly basis during the construction process. The 19 cisterns were completed and a celebration was held August 8, 2014 at the community with all involved parties invited to attend.

The final celebration, as always was a joy to attend. More than 100 adults and children were in attendance of which approximately 50 were from the seven COCIRA communities that are on the waiting list for our upcoming projects. 

SAPASMA sent the Secretary of the Administrative Board along with two others. Cedesa brought five representatives including Chela Martinez, the Director of CEDESA.

Rotary showed up with nine club members, one wife and two grandchildren. Gary Reid came with us to take photographs of the families, the cisterns and the beautiful Pena Blanca area. After painting the pre-school and a nice closing ceremony, we enjoyed a spectacular fiesta prepared by the families of XHPB. It was a beautiful day and a fitting closing to a successful project.

Of significance, the teacher at the pre-school brought two of the supervisors who oversee most of the schools throughout the various San Miguel communities. We had the opportunity to talk with them about future school projects and particularly working to improve water education with the kids, the teachers and the parents.

Financial Notes:
This is a financial summary of the Ex-Hacienda de Pena Blanca project. Details of payments and costs are available on shared Google Docs and all parties to this project have been invited to share and review these documents at their leisure.

1.       Project Budget for 18 cisterns: $165,909.37 (mxn Pesos)
2.       One-half of this amount was funded by materials in-kind from SAPASMA. 
      Thus, RSMM was managing Lotus’ portion of $82,954.69. $86,312.28 was available after wire transfer expenses.

3.       The municipality of San Miguel de Allende provided “pipas” (water trucks) needed to mix cement) weekly throughout the project saving approximately $3,500.00 pesos.

4.       With a 19th cistern added to the project, the final cost of the project for Lotus was 72,058.26. This is $10,896.43 below the budget.

5.       At the request of Lotus, RSMM will be holding the saved funds to be applied to the next Rotary Water Harvesting Project that is Global Grant #1422619.

6.       Also Lotus funds received for this project were $86,312.28 when their budgeted portion was $82,954.69. The extra $3,357.60 pesos will also be held for the Global Grant.
7.       Total Lotus funds to be applied to GG#1422619 are $14,254.02 or approximately US$1,117.96.


Simultaneously Rotary San Miguel Midday (RSMM) was asked to manage a pilot project of two cisterns in the community of Ex-Hacienda de Jesus (XHJ) in the municipality of San Diego Union. The budget for those two cisterns was $23,290.00 pesos. 

Project Budget for 2 cisterns: $23,290.00.(mxn pesos)
2.       Project Expenses paid in cash by Lotus directly to CEDESA: $6,395.00
3.       Allocated funds to this project from Lotus Foundation donation: $17,047.72.
4.       The final cost of the project for Lotus was $21,472.40. This is $1,817.60 below the budget.
5.       At the request of Lotus, RSMM will be holding the saved funds (and overfunded amount) to be applied to the next Rotary Water Harvesting Project that is Global Grant #1422619.
6.       Total Lotus funds to be applied to GG#1422619 are $1,970.32 or approximately US$154.53.

THEREFORE: Total funds carry forward from both projects combined: US$1,272.49.

Report submitted by Lee Carter - RSMM









STATISTICS UPDATE AUGUST 2014

A BIG THANK YOU to all the hardworking men & women belonging to the Rotary Clubs & Districts & the Foundation who have been part of this solution:

Ann Arbor RC USA
Baton Rouge Capital City RC USA
Bellingham RC USA
Calgary RC Canada
Middletown RC USA
New Braumfels RC USA
Paso Robles RC USA
Port Lavaca RC USA
Richmond RC TX USA
Sechelt BC RC Canada
Tallahassee RC USA
Trail BC RC Canada
Tyron RC USA
West U RC TX USA
San Miguel Midday RC Mexico
Districts 4160, 6060, 6200, 6940, 7670, 7980
& THE ROTARY FOUNDATION (Ashley & Lauren)

HUGE THANK YOU’s to:
Cedesa, (especially Holly, Chela, Saul – The TEAM!!), & our family members who put up with long, late hours…
Sapasma (Previous Administration - Camilo, Waldo, Alva, Juan Jose & the other promoters & the new administratin)
Fondo Verde
Alberta Govt’s Community Initiative Program (BC Canada)
The Lotus Foundation (private donor)
The many other private donors/supporters
Our Suppliers, especially Raul from Hierro Comercial Dolores Hidalgo, Eric our Herreria & his boys, Jesus our sand guy, Madera Providencia, Cemex, Talego, Don Pedro,
Our Banks: Frost Bank, Bancomer, Monex, Intercam, CI banco,
Our accountant (wish we had her in the early days) : Liliana
Our publicity: Atencion!,
Members & Board of San Miguel Midday, for continuing support, attending Inaugurations, making speeches on behalf of the project, attending meetings with govt, fundraising!
Lee Carter: answering all the tricky finance questions in the past & leading the new team Denis & Alex, & David for the new Projects
Gary Reid for continuing to take excellent photos for us.


 &

MASSIVE THANKS to the men, women & children in all of the participating communities – for showing us your strength, courage & commitment to improving the lives of yourselves & future generations - living with such dignity under incredible hardship.


Numbers:

626 Cisterns
24 Communities
Ie 4000+ family members (+ other school & kinder children)

Total Funding Summarised
Rotary US$239,588    (including direct grant private donations)
SMCF US$10614
Sapasma mxn$953353 (ie approx. US$73334)
Fondo Verde mxn$150,000(ie approx. US$11,500) + US$21,850
Lotus Foundation mxn$93530
Other donations US$1000

(total approx. US$365080)

2nd New Team Project - Completed July 2014 19 + 2 Cisterns
Summary of Funding
ExHacienda Pena Blanca 19 Cisterns


Lotus Foundation Mxn$72056 

(nb this amount was under budget & the balance will be counted in the next project planned - global grant)
Sapasma Materials Donation value mxn$82,954.69

Planned for ExHacienda de Jesus - which became San Cayetano 1, Adjuntas de San Jose 1 (*municipality of San Diego Union)
Lotus Foundation Managed by RSMM
mxn 15077


1st New Team Project - Completed May 2013 18 Cisterns
Summary of Funding
Chinook Rotary Direct Grant $5000 , 
Rotary of Middletown Direct Grant $3021  
District 7980 District simplified Grant  $2320
Rotary San Miguel Midday $200 
(total USD$10,541)

Los Magueyes 8 cisterns
La Palma 8 cisterns
Viviendilla 2 Cisterns (1 at school, 1 demonstration cistern at factory)

Completed May-Jun 2012 11 Cisterns

Summary of Funding
San Miguel Community Fund $5911

Tierra Blanca 11 cisterns

Completed Jan-May 2012 169 cisterns in 8 Communities

Summary of Funding
Global Grant Rotary $65,300
Direct grants & donations $21,147 breakdown as follows:

Tallahassee US$10k club & $2.5k private donation
Port Lavaca  US$6k
Peggy Purcel US$462.45
Pancake breakfast fundraiser $14950pesos
Excess funds from Port Lavaca/New braumfels proj. $11420pesos
Excess funds from Cap II proj. $487pesos
Excess funds from Bellingham water proj. $1163.5 pesos
private donation $250pesos

La Tinaja 22 cisterns
Cruz del Palmar 41 Cisterns
Guerrero 20 Cisterns
Tres Esquinas 24 Cisterns
Tierra Blanca 23 Cisterns
Corralejos 15 Cisterns
Vivienda de Arriba 10 Cisterns
Los Torres 14 Cisterns

Completed Nov 2011-Jan2012 60 cisterns in 5 communities

Summary of Funding
Sapasma mxn$435399
Chris Hosford private donor US$500

Los Torres 18 cisterns (Phase IV in this community)
Presita de Santa Rosa 21 Cisterns (Pilot paid for by private donation - thankyou Chris Hosford, 20 cisterns funded by Sapasma)
Cienega Juana Ruiz 18 Cisterns (Phase II in this community)
Lomas de Cocina 2 Cisterns
Cinco Senores 1 Cistern 
(**)

Completed March – Jun 2011 134 cisterns in 6 communities

Summary of funding
Rotary $44,000
Fondo Verde mxn$150,000
Sapasma mxn$435,000

Tierra Blanca 28
Juan Gonzalez 22
funded by Global Grant from Baton Rouge Capitol City RC & District 6200 US$33,500
(completed June 2011)

Tierra Blanca 14 - direct grant donation from New Braumfels RC $2k, & Port Lavaca RC $7k
(completed June 2011)

San Lorenzo 4
Cinco Senores 11 (incl pilot in JG)
Fondo Verde Mxn$150k
(Completed June 2011)

Villa de Guadalupe 27
Cienega Juana Ruiz 26
Sapasma mxn$435k
(completed June 2011)

Villa Pilot x1
Cienega Pilot x 1
Bellingham RC US$1500
(completed June 2011)

Completed Jan 2011 – March 2011 25 cisterns
Summary Funding
DSG Tallahassee $3800,Tallahassee RC$6000,Walla Walla $7000
Vivienda Urbana (Cap II) 25 cisterns


Completed Jan 2009 – Jan 2011 Total 188 cisterns in 6 communities.
Summary Funding
Rotary$81,800
SMCF$4,703
Fondo Verde$21,850
Skymed $500
total funding = USD $108,853
Palencia 21 Cisterns $7k (+ balance of excess from other projects)
Capaderillo 40 Cisterns FV US$21850
Cruz del Palmar 28 Cisterns combined $24700
Vivienda de Arriba 17 Cisterns
Montecillo de Nieto 30 Cisterns $16700
Los Torres 52 Cisterns (27+4+17+1+3) Including $21,700 + 12,200+smcf US$2468+ smcf 2 U$2235  
= 188 cisterns (& 4 rotoplas tanks)