Global Grant Project Update August 2015

We have been very busy since our last post in July. 

In early August, there was a meeting of COCIRA in the community of Boca de Canada. It is a stunningly beautiful place in San Miguel. 

COCIRA has really become a strong organization and there is now a council of Directors who are anxious to move the group forward in many areas in addition to water harvesting. There are 12 Directors, a representative from 12 different communities. They are taking on the task of inspecting and evaluating all of the cisterns that have been constructed since 2009 when Laura Stewart began this long and enjoyable journey.

Boca de Canada is a new community with water problems. They have been attending COCIRA and other community meetings for several months now. New communities coming for the first time were Tlaxcalilla (no water whatsoever), Saltrillo (contaminated water and wanting dry toilets) and Begona de Progreso (contaminated water). Now they have the information necessary to go back to their communities and discuss the possibility of joining COCIRA and seeking various resources that come from being part of COCIRA and having a relationship with CEDESA. In addition to Rotary funded water projects, backyard vegetable gardens, health clinics using medicinal plants, apicultura (beekeeping) and dry toilets are among the many things that can be accomplished on a community level when the inhabitants come to gather to work in teams for the betterment of all.

Mago attended this meeting as the CEDESA representative as Chela has been sidelined with a knee problem. Mayra, Carolina and Hilaria came as promoters in sub-regions that have been set up to better serve the San Miguel municipality. Lee attended as Rotary’s representative.

Dates were established during the meeting to do “inspection and evaluation” of the Presa Allende project and to finish up the final inspections at Alonso Yanez and Lindero. The closing ceremony for Presa Allende was set for 22^nd of August.

In August Mago traveled to Ex-Hacienda de Pena Blanca to finalize the organization and teams for this second phase project. There are 19 families participating and we are also supplying two 1,100 liter tinacos to capture rainwater at the houses of two much older persons who are not able to do the work necessary to construct the 12,000 ferro-cement cisterns. Benigno, the master cistern builder from CEDESA, will be the technical representative on this project and Abel is being trained to become the cistern technician for the San Miguel area.

Hierro Comercial delivered the materials for the pilot cistern in Ex-Hacienda de Pena Blanca for  two cisterns in San Lorenzo on August 22^nd and construction began on August 24^th. Lee delivered the plywood and took the "nipples" back to Eric’s so the heavy wire reinforcing could be welded onto the galvanized parts that penetrate the cistern walls. Alejandro arranged with the department of social development of the municipality to make water truck deliveries each week of the project as there is no water in XHPB to even mix the cement.

As planned above, on August 22nd we had our closing celebration in Presa Allende with more than 80 persons in attendance. Ivar, Alejandro and Lee went from Rotary. Chela’s knee is improving and she attended with Meche and another CEDESA visitor. 

On Aug 25^th Alejandro and Lee went back to San Lorenzo and XHPB to deliver the reinforced "nipples" for the pilot cistern. This was a great opportunity to talk at length with Benigno about the construction process and the techniques and decisions the technical rep. needs to make in regards to how and where cisterns are located.

On Aug 27, Holly and Lee went to CEDESA HQ in Dolores Hidalgo to review with Chela the new education program that will be added to our next grant. Welcome back Holly! The eight modules were reviewed and we had time to talk about how this can be implemented by having promoter and then later COCIRA and UCCANG workshops to build enthusiasm for the program. Holly will be working hard with Rotary to develop the modules and copious auxiliary materials to distribute in the communities where we will be working.

On Aug 28th all of the new Presa Allende cisterns were inspected by a team of COCIRA representatives, Alejandro, Beatriz and Lee of Rotary and Meche of Cedesa . The new inspection program appears to be a very valuable activity as it gives us an opportunity to meet individually with every new cistern owner to reinforce the importance of maintenance activities and disinfection of the collected water. We are finding new ways to improve the projects overall and where to avoid problems.

  

On Aug 31, Alejandro, Beatriz and Lee went to see the progress in San Lorenzo where we were served a delicious breakfast of atole and gorditas. Abel from CEDESA went along with us and I was impressed that he is very thoughtful and dedicated to the success of the two current cistern projects. From San Lorenzo we went on to XHPB to check on the completed pilot cistern and to see where the next cisterns would be located. Because this community has so few construction workers (too far from San Miguel) we also needed to purchase some basic tools to lend to the project.

On Sept 1, Lee traveled back to XHPB to deliver the remainder of the tools needed and also the reinforced "nipples" needed for that week’s construction. This is the first project that we have undertaken since Saul left CEDESA (to develop his personal business). It has really been a little difficult because Saul used to take care of so many little details (taking and returning "nipples", for instance). He also had the "luxury" of having a CEDESA truck to be able to accomplish the many errands. CEDESA does not have a truck that can be used by Abel at this time. It has fallen on Rotary’s shoulders to do all of this detail work. Whereas I am happy to have a chance to work on and learn about every little detail, it is not practical that we do this for all future projects. Lee has been discussing with Chela (CEDESA) and our project partners for the next project of obtaining some additional grant money so that a truck can be available to the CEDESA workers in the San Miguel region. Saul used to be the promoter, coordinator, technician and all-around boy Friday for these projects. Moving forth and having different persons filling the different roles is requiring that we establish clear communication systems and cooperation to be able to operate efficiently. This mini-project is proceeding reasonably well - we are on a steep learning curve.

It was a busy month and I have not even reported it all!

Submitted by Lee Carter, Rotary San Miguel Midday, September 7, 2015.

24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Record of Event pg 1 of 2
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 4th April 2009 12:30 – 3:30
Who: Chella, Holly Yasui, Quika & Benigno (Cedesa), John & Sharon Doherty, Gary & Marilyn Peterson, Steve & Laura & Abe & Ella Mae, David Bossman, Enrique Orvañanos (Rotary), Suzanne Ludekins (Atencion Newspaper), Jose Miguel & Ma Jesus (delegados), many members of the LT community.
Apologies: Enrique Nuñez (Presidencia), Donna Foudray (San Miguel Community Foundation).
Purpose: To celebrate the completion of the 12,000 litre cistern, by the Community assisted by CEDESA (& Funded by SMCF Grant) for the Kinder.

Summary of the day
We arrived at 12.30 to find the Kinder decorated with balloons & streamers. Everything was in place for a big feast & singing & dancing.

We first went into the kinder where CEDESA presented a power point slide show on the topic of water.

The show was set in 2070 & demonstrated the drastic situation that will exist if we don´t begin to treasure & conserve our water supplies.

It showed the dire health effects of not having sufficient water to drink & the effects on the environment. It was a very thought provoking display & the whole audience sat mesmerised (including young children).

Chela explained a little about the local situation, where the rivers (or should I say river beds) are & used her hat as a prop to explain the rapidly reducing aquifer & the resulting increasing concentration of fluoride.

This was followed by a presentation by 2 different speakers. One on the topic of genetically modified corn seed – there is currently a move by some of the large seed producers to introduce a new strain of corn that is genetically designed germinate only once.

This corn is patented & is being given to the people for free or for very low cost. The problem is you are not able to grow future crops with the seed from this strand of corn & the people will therefore have to purchase all future seed from these suppliers.

The other issue is even if you do not choose to grow this strand, it is likely to cross pollinate from neighbours & could cause your corn to not germinate in future.

It was impressed upon the Community, they should look very seriously at any corn seed before they buy it or accept it & do their utmost to protect the heritage of the seed they currently grow.

The other speaker spoke on the topic of nutritional health & wellbeing. She explained some of the issues relating to eating “junk” food, ie instant lunches & cheetos (which are predominant in the rural communities). She listed the benefits of growing food in backyard gardens & the link to general health & wellbeing. She stated that it was important for children to develop the habit & taste for good food.

At least 50 adults & 30 children had crammed into the small kinder to listen to these speakers & all of the information was well received.


Record of Event pg 2 of 2
24th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

The Community then moved outside to the Cistern. The kinder children were given small spikes from a cactus & loved popping the balloons skirting the cistern.

The delegada cut the ribbon, thank you´s were exchanged & the feast began!

We were treated to homemade tortillas, nopal, rice, & beans. With many cups of agua fresca. With a plate of fruit & cake for desert.

We staggered (with our full tummies) to sit & watch, first a song performed by Chela & the team from Cedesa & then a dance by the young children.

A fun day was had by all, & everyone left feeling uplifted by what we had experienced.

Photos abound – please see the links below.

Suzanne Ludekins from our local Newspaper attended & plans to do an article on the 24th April. I will forward this when we receive it.


photo albums:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.ca/sharondoherty008/LosTorresWaterHarvestingInaugeration?feat=directlink

23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Record of Event pg 1 of 2
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Part I
Where: Under a tree at El Cortijo Hotel (at the turn off to Los Torres)
When: 4th March 2009 10.30am- 11.45am
Who: Holly, Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary).
Purpose: To discuss the planned topics for today’s community meeting at Los Torres.

Benigno informed us all that the cistern & roofing system were completed on time & under budget. (budget info collated separately).

Today’s community assembly is to
* ask for & give feedback to the community re the process
* discuss attendance of each of the groups, ask for community feedback
* plan inauguration day – celebration of cistern & information about the watershed, fluoride etc
* discuss possibility of training session on “solicitation” to govt. community planning, issues management etc (Chela would like to offer a workshop & wants to see if there is interest).
* Chela would also like to offer the community a workshop on natural health options
* suggest to the community that the first people that receive the cisterns from the big project should be those that have participated so well in the demo build days.

End of Part I

Part II
Where: The Kindergarten at Los Torres
When: 4th March 2009 12.30pm – 3.20pm
Who: Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Laura (Rotary), 7 men & 38 women from the community of Los Torres (including Ma, Hilaria, Concha, Leova)

Purpose:
As outlined above.

It should be noted that Holly was not able to attend this meeting so it was all in Spanish with no translation, my Spanish is only rudimentary so this is an outline of what went on.

Chela re-iterated the definition of a community meeting v assembly. She does this each time, so that the community will be able to run their own meetings/assemblies without her assistance in future.

1. Chela called for nominations for a co-ordinator for this meeting, Guillermo & Concha were nomitated. The meeting then voted, & Guillermo was deemed co-ordinator, & Concha to take the records.

2. Benigno gave a review of the building of the ferrocement cistern. Asked for the ingredients, tela, grava, maya, cemento, cal, arena.

Discussed the process of 4 groups, mentioned that it took 1 month for the talking/planning stage, 4 days to build & they will take about 1 hour to review the process.

There was some discussion about Group 3’s lack of attendance/attendees, one of the women in group 3 said they bought refreshments instead, the others pointed out that all the groups provided refreshments but that that wasn’t what got the cistern built. After much back & forth it was decided that group 3 should still be allowed to participate in the big project.



Record of Event pg 2 of 2
23rd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee



Each of the groups was asked how they felt about the process, would they feel confident to build one from start to finish. Group 3, needs help. Group 1 are fine, 2 people, group 2 are fine 2 people, group 4 fine 2 people.

Benigno asked that for the next assembly people have the following information
a. where their cistern will be placed
b. how much piping they will need (approximately)
c. what type of roof they have

The community asked when the big project will begin, I explained we are still waiting on approval, but hoped to be able to tell them by the end of April.

They are all very keen to start now!!!

It was mentioned that the kinder teacher is VERY HAPPY that the kids now have safe drinking water, I believe she has been providing it herself in garafons that she brings from San Miguel.

Planning of the inauguration day:
• Date was decided 4.4.09 at 12 for the community & 12.30 start for the invited guests.
• Responsibilities Group 1 – games, Group 2 decorations, Group 3 chairs & tables, Group 4 dancers
• Invitees to include, Enrique Nunez, Don P, Atencion, Rotary, Bill & Judy Fisher, San Miguel Community Foundation, Sapasma

Chela offered the community the chance to attend a workshop covering the topic of “solicitacions & Acta’s”, there was a lot of interest in this, attendees will be Concha, Guillermo, Catalina, Ma, Carmela, Rosa, Ofelia, Hilaria, Leova, Cecilia. It will be held on Thursday 23rd April 12pm at the kinder.

The meeting was closed.

Inauguration Saturday 4th April 12.30 (invited guests), 12.00 community.

Next assembly was set for April 29th at 12pm at the house of Ma Jesus & Jose Miguel.

Workshop April 23rd 12pm at Kindergarten

See photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProject?feat=directlink

22nd Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 24th February 2009 1.30pm – 3pm
Who: Benigno (Cedesa), David Gillis (Videographer for CEDESA), Laura (Rotary). George & Anne Stewart (Laura’s dad & Stepmum) & approx 25 men & women & 10 kids.
Purpose: Today is the 2nd day of the demonstration of the building of a 12,000 litre cistern by CEDESA (Funded by SMCF Grant). This will enable the community to build their own cisterns when the large Rotary Project is initiated.

The community had previously divided into 4 groups of 11 with a commitment that at least 2 people from each group should attend each of the 4 day sessions, to learn the entire process of building a cistern & the roof & piping system that supports the collection & storage of rainwater.

Summary of the day
The day had started at 10am as planned & they had made huge progress by the time we got there.

Since yesterday,
the cistern pad had been poured
the cistern wire cylinder was in place
the plywood form was “chocked” to the inside of the cylinder.
they had begun cementing the 1st outside layer

While we were there we observed (& photographed)
women helping mixing the concrete & carting it to the men to “slap” up
men slapping the concrete onto the wire form
women serving drinks & food to the workers (& kids)
we interviewed on camera several of the men & women, my Spanish is not good but we asked them to talk a little about the project & scarcity of water etc.


We left around 3pm


NB we were not able to attend the 3rd & 4th demo days.
At the next meeting I attended I took additional photos of the project now that it had been completed.

The roof had been rimmed with bricks, with a concrete moulding on the inside angle to remove the sharp 90degree angle where the brick meets the roof (for ease of cleaning)
The roof had been coated with a natural impermeable substance.
The pipes had been attached both sides of the roof, feeding back to the cistern.
The cistern had been completed, with lid, overflow pipe, fully lined, low gauge with tap for cleaning purposes, tap around ½ mtr from bottom (to reduce sediment), & external clear tube to monitor the depth of the water contained. (see additional photos).

Photo album available at the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink

13th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 1

13th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Los Torres – Health Fair (organised by Judy & Bill in conjunction with Health Dept)

When: Saturday 15th November 8am – 4pm

Who: Bob & Sue Leonard, Laura (Rotary), Judy & Bill (Patronato Pro Ninos) The patronato board, volunteers & staff & Health Department staff, Casa Volunteers & the whole community of Los Torres (& I suspect neighbouring communities)

Project Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Visit Purpose:

To volunteer at the Health Fair, get to know the community better, see how this day was organised & what it achieved.

Summary of Visit

We met at the Fabrica Aurora carpark & carpooled. I met Mary Caruso (medical director for Patronato Pro Nino) & Maria Aguilar & Juan Camacho – 2 Casa volunteers.

The day was a focus on health, there were various components, first priority was for the kids of the community to have fun.

Medical staff saw each of the 150 children, recorded names & health statistics.

There were 3 different “talks” for the mothers to attend, on preventing accidents in the home, diet & nutrition, hygiene/handwashing, health in pregnancy, & dental health.

The women received diploma’s for attending the talks.

The children received a free colgate toothbrush for visiting the doctor

We collated & the issued goody bags for the mothers, included were – liquid soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, thermometer, brochures on the topics.

We served beans, rice, chicken, tortillas, fruit, juice & water to approx 500 men, women & children from the community (& neighbours).

Important points

The focus was on having fun
There were 2 clowns that provided a fantastic service 1. keeping the kids entertained whilst their mums were in the “talks” but most importantly 2. to organise the children to see the doctors.
150 children were happily led to see the doctor with minimum waiting time. They were given stickers with number on them, the clowns then called for the children in groups, ie all the kids with number 1 stickers, came up to “play” with the clowns then were taken in 2’s to visit the doctor. They were rewarded with a toothbrush – which seemed like a great novelty!
There were 3 bouncy castles & soccer games going on as well.
At the end of the day there were a lot of smiling faces, they had received a goody bag, their diploma’s, information, health checks & a huge nutritious meal. They even had leftovers to take home!
Everyone agreed it was a very successful day (except Judy fell & broke her wrist very badly & had to leave before the end)!

12th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2

12th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: CEDESA Dolores (approx 1 hr from SMA)

When: Friday 7th November 8am – 4pm

Who: Laura (Rotary), Judy & Bill (Patronato Pro Ninos) Maria Jesus, Maria de la Concepcion, Maria Leova (& son), Cecilia (& son), Hilaria, (Community leaders Los Torres), Chela & Tere Martinez, Holly Yasui, Benigno & partner, & 1 other woman (from CEDESA).

Project Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Visit Purpose:

For the women of Los Torres to be introduced to the people of CEDESA, what they do & what they can offer. Ultimately for the people of Los Torres to decide if they need assistance to “mobilise” the community & run the water project.

Summary of Visit

The Fishers & I each drove out to Los Torres (Holly waited at the highway for us), & collected the women & children, to drive them to CEDESA in Dolores (a nearby town).

We arrived at CEDESA & met with the CEDESA team, introductions all round. We sat in a semi circle & watched another DVD, this one on the topic of water & conservation.
The discussion was then about what CEDESA does & has done by way of assisting communities to take their own issues & solutions in their own hands. Chela impressed upon the women that they have the skills & ability to be responsible for their own wellbeing & that they need not be reliant on govt. & outside organisations but better work with them towards solving issues & improving the prospects of the community.
There was a lot of discussion (all in Spanish – with Holly translating for me if I missed something). The focus was water & what the women believed the issues were: Scarcity, contamination of fluoride (see important points below), Sapasma & proposed well, river that dries part way through the dry season, cost to buy water, sporadic delivery by municipal trucks.
We had a bite to eat & a cup of tea.

Chela then organised discussion on solutions, she said that each person/family needs to be responsible for their own health, access to water etc. That they need to discuss problems & solutions & work together to solve it, & that the answers were in their hands.

The problem of water can help organise the community!



Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2

12th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

The women said they knew the issues but were unsure how to solve them & asked for help with this.
They decided an assembly was necessary & agreed that on 22nd November CEDESA would travel to Los Torres & help facilitate an assembly with the major discussion being on water issues & solutions.

We were given a tour of CEDESA viewing all of the sustainable technologies they have implemented & provide training on - dry toilets, grey water recycling, backyard gardens, water collection tanks, with discussion about the beehives & fields for crop production.

The women of Los Torres indicated they would be very interested in learning more about natural health methods, & backyard gardens (with the aim to improve the family economy) & also beekeeping.

We then drove them home to Los Torres.
Important points

In previous visits to Los Torres, we (Rotary) had been reluctant to raise the topic of fluoride contamination. The people in the community – although most were showing an obvious symptom of fluorosis – bad teeth – did not have an awareness of the issue. We were unsure how to “break the news”, considering we had no cure or solution to offer.

In the last 2 wks a dental health van- provided by Patronato Pro Ninos, in conjunction with the dept of health - has visited Los Torres & treated the children. During this time the subject of fluoride contamination has been raised & the community now has an awareness of this issue.

They are currently at a loss as to how to solve this, especially since the only source of water they can rely on, comes from contaminated wells.

Action

The Los Torres women will organise an assembly to be held at the school in Los Torres on 22nd Nov at 12midday. They will first publicise it at the forthcoming Health Fair (PPN & Health dept), on the 15th Nov & then will go door to door to explain the purpose & illicit support.
It was suggested they write the pertinent points on a piece of paper & use that as a reference when they talk to each household, in order to cover all points.

Thank you

9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2

9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Los Torres (via Salida Dolores)

When: Monday 29th Sept 2008, 9.15-2pm

Who: Bill & Judy Fisher, Patronato Pro Ninos, Maria de Jesus (Los Torres delegada) Jose Miguel (delegada’s husband), Gary, Gordon, Bob, David & Laura (Rotary),
Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Patronato Pro Ninos: are a local non profit organisation. They work closely with the department of health to provide medical & dental services to the communities in need. They have a relationship with the people of Los Torres, they have been providing them with vitamin supplements to add to their tortillas. An interesting point they made is in future they would do more work before providing the supplements, to educate & inform. The take-up time would be faster then. There had been some resistance from the people that were unaware of the benefits, but the word is now spreading & the mothers are now keen to keep adding the supplements.
We met at the Fabrica Aurora & drove out the road to Dolores. We turned at the turnoff for Casa de Aves continued towards Casa de Aves & then took the right fork (with Casa de Aves to the left). We carried on a dirt road for some time with a few muddy patches to negotiate. (drive is approx 45mins from La Aurora).
2nd Meeting with the delegada.

We were very lucky to be taken to the community with Bill, Judy as they already have a relationship with the community delegada (community organiser) Maria de Jesus.
This was the 2nd meeting with the delegada on this topic. It included a bigger team to gather more information & for more of the team to see what the Los Torres scenario would involve.

Judy facilitated a Q&A session between the delegada & her husband & our team.
Points of interest

The previous meeting in Los Torres yielded a lot of information. This report covers just the additional points/information raised.

The lower community have 10 pozos (wells), family owned, some families share the water with others that don’t have a well.
The pozos are very shallow (by comparison with other communities) only 10-15 mtrs deep.
The wells were only 3 mtrs deep 20 years ago, they have to be dug deeper each year (i.e. 1988 3 mtrs deep, 2008 15 mtrs deep)
At the end of the dry season the wells are almost dried up.

Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2

9th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
The wells are used for household & gardens but not agriculture.
Approx. 6 wks ago Sapasma visited the village to see whether it was feasible to drill a well (in the top community)
Sapasma said the well would need to be 80 mtrs deep.
The community had to pay for the feasibility study – US$3000
If Sapasma digs the well it is supposed to service 3 communities, Los Torres, Cruz del Palmar & Montecillo de ?
The other 2 communities were not asked to pay for the feasibility study (according to the delegada’s husband).
Sapasma would apparently pipe the water to the other 2 communities, from Los Torres.
Sapasma is to return in October, with a proposal. Each family will be expected to contribute to the cost of the drilling of the well (nb in another community that community was charged US$300 per family).
It is not known if the other 2 communities – to benefit from the well – will be asked to contribute.
As mentioned in previous notes, the Los Torres mothers already meet on Friday’s at 3pm to discuss Health Department topics (from Health dept supplied Topic Cards), approx ¾ of the mums meet at 3 on Friday, the other ¼ meet on Saturday. The sessions are led by Maria Concepcion.

The delegada & her family put on a large lunch for us all including freshly made tortillas, chicheron, beans, rice & the contribution of baking goods we bought.
The team ate a scrumptious lunch, then viewed the gardens & looked at the roofs of the houses. Then we drove to the upper community to look at the school & water facilities there.

Action:

Contact Sapasma to determine their plans for Los Torres (Bob will ask Enrique to email Ernesto Lopez (the chief engineer) to ask our questions.

8th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 3

8th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Los Torres (via Salida Dolores)

When: Thurs Sept 11th 2008, 9.15-12.30

Who: Bill & Judy Fisher, Kitty (?) Patronato Pro Ninos, Maria de Jesus (Los Torres delegada), Laura Stewart (Rotary),

Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Patronato Pro Ninos: are a local non profit organisation. They work closely with the department of health to provide medical & dental services to the communities in need. They have a relationship with the people of Los Torres, they have been providing them with vitamin supplements to add to their tortillas. An interesting point they made is in future they would do more work before providing the supplements, to educate & inform. The take-up time would be faster then. There had been some resistance from the people that were unaware of the benefits, but the word is now spreading & the mothers are now keen to keep adding the supplements.
We met at the Aurora & drove out the road to Dolores. We turned at the turnoff for Casa de Aves continued towards Casa de Aves & then took the right fork (with Casa de Aves to the left). We carried on a dirt road for some time with a few muddy patches to negotiate. (drive is approx 45mins from Aurora).
Meeting with the delegada.

I was very lucky to be taken to the community with Bill, Judy & Kitty as they already had a relationship with the community delegada (community organiser) Maria de Jesus.
I immediately noted that Maria’s teeth were badly fluoride damaged & she was self conscious of them (covering them with her hand when she laughed). The other women we saw also all had damaged teeth.

These are the points I discovered with discussion & Q&A with Maria (luckily Judy & Kitty were fluent Spanish speakers).

Points of interest

A percentage of the men are in the United States

Most of the other men work in SMA Mon-fri & only return for weekends

There are 2 distinct geographical regions of Los Torres – the upper (ariba) & the lower (abajo).






Record of Meeting pg 2 of 3

8th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

The upper region – approx ½ of the community (& general community facts)

the closest community well is 1 hour walk away
they have a 5000 ltr tinaco supplied by Patronato pro nino
the municipality sends a truck to supply water every 8 days (this water is free)
the truck fills the tinaco & the people’s water containers (huge buckets with lids)
when the water runs out they have to walk to their well (1 hr each way) carting the water back with them, either by burro, wheel barrow or if they are lucky private truck.
If carting without a truck the maximum they can carry is 4 x 20ltr garrafons.
They estimated they make the trek to the well 2 to 3 times a week.(ie the tinaco water doesn’t last very long)
I don’t know the quality of the water from their well.
The tinaco has 2 big blue filters on it (not sure of their contents,) & they have colloidal silver tablet inside the tank. Patronato Pro Nino provided these & it is in their “charter” to maintain these (Judy said this was done 6mthly)
There are approx 3 dry toilets (Maria thought) in the upper region. Apart from those there are no other toilets, people just go on the ground.
There is no Comite de Agua in this community.
There are 3 mother’s groups that meet every Friday from 3-5pm, they meet to discuss topics on a set of cards provided by the Health Department, we met the woman that organises the groups (Ilaria), she estimated about 15 attend each meeting. Mostly the young mothers.
The majority of the households cook with wood stoves, most do not have flues or chimneys
They grow in their gardens, mostly maize,corn, beans, squash (& squash flowers)
There was a previous program (some time in the past) by DIF who provided them with seeds of other plants, they have run out & would like to have more. Onions would be good.
We were sitting beside a house made partly of adobe, it looked to be deteriorating on the outside (had been coated but the coating & parts of the bricks had washed away), this structure was 14yrs old.

Lower region (approx ½ of the community)

This part of the community has their own family wells.
The water has been tested & was very high in fluoride (2.4mg/l per the testing data from Ecologia).
They have only about 4 dry toilets, & otherwise go to the toilet anywhere.








Record of Meeting pg 2 of 3

8th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

We visited the school

It has a brand new toilet block with 6 flush toilets! They are not using them at the moment as there is a leak & they can’t fix it as the cisterns are in the wall (no access) I therefore couldn’t see what litre the cistern for each toilet was.
Flush toilets are a huge novelty to these children, the majority of them have no toilet at all at home, & just go on the ground wherever…
They had a bank of 3 hand basins, the water had been turned off by the teachers as the kids had blocked the pipes up when they first got it (a week ago). Water on tap is a novelty for these kids, they obviously thought it was fun to play with it.
Right beside the toilet block were 2 1500 ltr tinacos. These had taps at the bottom (although the tanks were slightly raised) the kids were drinking directly out of the spout from these tanks, the water shot straight out horizontally at force & they kids would put their mouths in the stream & try to suck up the water as it rushed past, I would say about 20% was drunk the rest was in a large puddle that they were tiptoe-ing in to take their drinks!
There is a cistern of approx 2.5x2.5x2.5 (approx 15,000 ltrs) & a pump which pumps the water to the tinaco on the roof to feed the toilets.
The waste is piped to 2 septic tanks with a grey water recycling system
It is supposed to be piped to water the nopal orchard but the teacher mentioned they are missing a tap at the moment so it’s not working.
The school has 80 children
They have 3 dry toilets
They have small nopal orchard
A large percentage of the children had obvious fluoride damage to their teeth
There is a DIF kitchen at the school, the food is supplied by them & the mothers (a team of 4 at a time) provide breakfast & lunch to the children
the school was central, large & well resourced (they have computers & overhead projectors in the classroom – ideal for training sessions)

Other observations –

it is a small community with not many houses “dotted” around
they have electricity
the usual pepsi signs were on the tienda (they have pepsi)
there is also a kinder (preschool)
there is no secondaria – the nearest telesecondaria (satellite secondary school) is approx 40mins walk (cross country) away.

Action

Laura to get in contact with Mary Caruth (on the board of PPN) she has a lot of stats & research on this community.
Laura to contact FAI/PEASMA to see what information they can provide about this community.

7th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2

7th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Sylvia’s house (From FAI)

When: Mon Aug 25th 2008, 6-7.20

Who: Bob Leonard, Laura Stewart (Rotary), Sylvia FAI

Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

FAI have been working in the area of conservation, environmental & ecological awareness for nearly 20 years. They have worked closely with marginal communities to improve their environs & living conditions. The world bank funds FAI in the areas of water, energy, food, health, education, crafts & nutrition.

Meeting discussion

We surmised with Sylvia the situation we had found in our visits to Tierra Blanca & the communities near Jalpa. All of the have access to household water, Sapasma has supplied wells (with the financial contribution of the community in many instances), & mostly pipes the water to a central holding tank & then to each of the households. The communities mostly buy their water in garrafons or boil water &/or add chlorine drops.

The problem is not (that we’ve discovered so far at least) lack of water. The possibilities for improvements to be made in the lives of the people of these communities is

To provide safe drinking water (& so they don’t have to buy or boil it, as it is expensive).
To provide an infrastructure to distribute “dam” water for food production
To provide the materials to build dry toilets (so as not to contaminate the ground or well water with faecal matter)

Safe drinking water can be provided by:

Purifying the water
Collecting rainwater

Both of these present challenges, to collect enough rainwater to really make a difference to a whole community requires a huge cistern & system of management & distribution.
Purifying the water can be complex because of the number of potential contaminants, bacterial, fluoride etc. There are issues involved in ensuring the project is sustainable, ie that the filters are able to be replaced when need be.
Sylvia suggested a community Juan Gonzalez. (This community was also identified by Ecologia as not having a well).

It has popn of approx 294 with a close neighbouring community of Los Ortega (12 people).
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2

7th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

FAI have been working with this community (demonstrates co-operation), they already have 40 dry toilets, just need about 30 more to be completely sanitary.
They have shallow artesian wells for individual families but no main community well
Currently a lot of the families have to cart water up to where they live (in the higher areas).

Sylvia suggested that Rotary:

Join with Sapasma & provide a community well (the current family wells are shallow so it should not be too expensive – wont have to drill too deep)
Provide a central collection cistern & piping to the houses
Pump the water from the well to the cistern
Look at providing a water collection system as well to provide drinkable water
This way they will have – dry toilets, drinkable water & household water.
Use FAI to provide training re water conservation & the systems & drive/oversee the implementation of the project(s) estimated cost would be 1 person 2days per wk, approx US$450-500 per month, + travel expenses (bus fares) for 10mths ie around US$5000.


Action –

We need to enquire with Sapasma to see whether they have a pozo planned.

If Project is undertaken –

Work with Sapasma to draw up a contract to supply water (re comite de agua) ongoing regulations/management of water supply.
Look at less expensive method to build dry toilet (currently costs US$2000 per toilet to provide the entire structure )

6th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 4

6th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Daytrip – Tierra Blanca

When: Fri Aug 15th 2008, 8.00pm – 3.30pm (including approx .75 hr Comida)

Who: Bob Leonard, Sue Leonard & Laura Stewart Rotary, Norma, Carlos, Luis FAI

Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

FAI have been working in the area of conservation, environmental & ecological awareness for nearly 20 years. They have worked closely with marginal communities to improve their environs & living conditions. The world bank funds FAI in the areas of water, energy, food, health, education, crafts & nutrition.

Detail of visit:

We went to the Municipality of Tierra Blanca – in the state of GTO.

We met at the FAI office on Hidalgo, then went to Norma’s house to pick up her car as there were too many of us to go in Carlos’ car. Bob paid $200pesos, Laura paid $100pesos for the gas contribution.

We stopped briefly on the way & met with Carlos’ family that have an Ecology Centre, they have water collection & a sweat lodge there, his family are involved in the teaching of the community in Tierra Blanca, on the subject of conservation, & organic fertilisation & pest control.

We met with Luis – that works with FAI. He explained FAI began working with 12 communities in the area for 16 years ago. Their aim was to re-establish the ecosystem in the area. When they arrived there, there was very little growing & a lot of erosion & no soil. They initially worked to establish a collection base for soil, by creating stone terraces on the hillsides. They left after 10 years & have just returned again 6 years on.
FAI are very heartened to see that the communities have carried on their good work in their absence & the improvement to the environment is huge. Where there was nothing but erosion & protruding rock face, there is now a thriving eco-system of small plants & moist areas. It slows the flow of the water enough that it also regenerates the aquifer.

They have also been constructing bordos (dams) & now are faced with the issue of how to manage & distribute the water from the dams to the areas they need to use the water in. IE backyard gardens (more on that later) for food production.
Torrecitas Community

Luis took us to visit a Nopal Orchard. This was a large green house structure that covers an orchard of Nopals (prickly pear cactus) for harvest. He explained the process of producing the nopals, they are reasonably fast growing, a paddle grows in a month, & each plant (once pruned correctly) can be growing multiple paddles each month at each juncture of the plant.

Record of Meeting pg 2 of 4

6th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Some of the facts Luis told us

The govt. (SAGARPA govt ministry for agriculture program) will subsidise these projects 50/50 but offer no training (FAI can provide training)
Sedesol (ministry for social development – Secretary desarollo de social) funds FAI training
The green house cost $200,000 pesos (US$20k) payback period is estimated to be 5 years.
Each plant costs 4-6 pesos (single paddle to plant)
16 plants per m2
Lead time between planting & harvest is 1.5mths before it produces enough to harvest
16 nopalitos per month
The nopalitos are harvested for both “seed” & sale
Market is in Qto (market is much larger than current supply level)
Plants are drip irrigated (fertiliser can be included in the water)
Irrigation costs approx 14,000 pesos (including tinacos – storage tanks)
They use cow dung as mulch (fertiliser & prevents evaporation)
They sell the nopalitos per kilo (approx 5 pesos)
Nopalitos are very high in vitamin c (especially if eaten raw), they are thought to prevent osteoporosis & are curative for diabetes
Nopolitos are “nutria-cetic” health giving plants
FAI is currently working with 450 families
Nopals wont start to grow a “baby” until it knows it has enough to completely grow it, ie if you see a baby growing, you can be sure it will grow to maturity.
Optimum temp for production is 25-33 degrees C (hence there is better rate of growth under a greenhouse than outside, but it can be grown outside – just at a slower rate)
They pump water from the river (at the bottom of the property) to the tinaco’s for storage & distribution by irrigation system
They have 3 months with no water Dec- Feb
They have created a collection pond – diverted from the river – that lasts almost the entire year.

Luis described FAI’s approach to training

Social Capital – to build a social structure, gives responsibilities & structure to the community, they form a “co-operative” working together on all of the identified responsibilities & also for bulk purchases etc.
technical know-how they teach them how to prune, fertilise, control disease etc
economical integration covers aspects such as “the market” how it works, product (definition) , production system, admin, monetary controls etc.
they also teach goals, planning, timelines & deadlines.

Observation
I noted that they had large tinacos that Luis explained they filled with water by pumping from the river. They also had a huge roof on what looked like a warehouse which had no guttering or water collection. I asked why the tinaco was not positioned to catch the water from the roof & so they could use rain water directly.
Record of Meeting pg 3 of 4

6th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

It is not in their thinking to do that, they figure in the rainy season there is plenty of water in the river so they just use that. I pointed out it would save using the river & also save using electricity to pump the water up.
It would be a simple matter to attach some guttering & down piping(spouting) to the huge roof, especially since they already had expensive tinaco storage.

Next we viewed some more rock terraces & an example of a dam they had constructed. It was surrounded by lush greenery. Luis explained it had all been achieved by the community. They have equivalent of “working bees” & then do the same on their own land.

They have also constructed many dry toilets in 3-5 of the communities, to prevent groundwater contamination & create a source of rich fertilizer.

Luis described FAI’s intention to demonstrate/implement back yard gardens, he took us to see 2 families that have begun to implement this garden.

Backyard Garden info

100m2 is enough to produce vegetables to feed a family of 8 for 1 year
By teaching them to grow their own variety of vegetables they are ensuring the family has a healthy diet (not just tortillas & beans), this helps prevent diabetes improves their nutrition generally.
Water required is 1 litre per m2, ie 100m2 requires 100 litres daily
First they plant wheat, then plough it in to provide nitrogen rich fertilizer (this takes 20days) wheat breaks down quickly
When purchasing seed they should check the catalogue numbers to ensure they are not genetically modified seeds
FAI have been training the communities to grow 14 different varieties of veges

Requirements

Many of the communities have dams that have been built in order to collect the water for food production. Currently they have no way to carry the water to the gardens. They would need tinacos at each family for storage, a pump at each dam & pipes to pipe the water to the tinacos. They would also need to make someone responsible for each dam & the distribution of water from it.
Rough costings/estimates of assistance to 70 families wanting to grow backyard gardens.

70 families

Approx 25 dams

Need approx 25 pumps (US$340 per pump) = $8500

70 Tinacos – 1500 ltr = $100 70x100 = $7000

Tubing/installation etc 70 x $50 = $3500

Total = $19,500

Question raised – Gary/David can you answer this?

What is the rotary definition of a building? Is a greenhouse a building or equipment?

Record of Meeting pg 4 of 4

6th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Conclusion

It was very encouraging to see what can be achieved with good guidance & structure (as provided by FAI).
These communities are good examples of what a difference training & involvement of the community in their own decisions & sustainable projects, can make.
The opportunity for assistance for Rotary in this areas are:

contribution to a water distribution infrastructure
contribution to water storage facilities (tinacos, cisterns, storage tanks)
water collection/harvesting units for drinkable water

These communities already have household water provided by Sapasma drilled pozos & reservoirs, they (like the 2 previous communities we have visited) buy their “drinkable” water in garrafons or boil the water & add chlorine drops.

5th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 3

5th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Daytrip – La Campana & Sosnavar near Jalpa (via Rd. to Queretaro)

When: Thurs Aug 14th 2008, 9.00pm – 5pm (including 2 approx 1.5 hrs Comida)

Who: Bob Leonard, David Bossman & Laura Stewart & Enrique Hernandez Perez, Julio, Norma & Julian for FAI.

Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

FAI have been working in the area of conservation, environmental & ecological awareness for nearly 20 years. They have worked closely with marginal communities to improve their environs & living conditions. The world bank funds FAI in the areas of water, energy, food, health, education, crafts & nutrition.

Detail of visits:

We all met at the FAI office on Hidalgo, where Julian kindly drove us to the first community, La Campana. On the way there Enrique told us that PEASMA had been working with approx 30 schools to build stone water breaks, which helps prevent erosion (more on that later) We arrived in La Campana where we met with the Sub-delegado – Tomas Oviedo Bustamente.

In La Campana

Tomas & his wife invited us to lunch, they provided a lovely lunch of tortillas, beans, guacamole, egg, salsa & sodas. His wife was very shy & did not come out to eat with us. Their house was very basic inside, there was only a bed & a few very sparse furnishings.

Tomas told us:

He estimated the village has approx 250 families, but also thought there were approx 1200 kids, & 3000 people in total - we need to confirm the numbers.
FAI started working with the village approx 3 yrs ago, in that time they have built 8 little dams (bordos) for irrigation purposes
Last year was the first year that the big dam lasted all year
They have been building tranques of stone in order to slow the water flow, & capture silt/earth so that plants grow & the area stays moist.
They have a new well drilled by Sapasma approx 4 yrs ago (the old well ran out of water),
The new well is 350mtrs deep
They pump the water from the well up the hill in 4 inch diameter metal pipes to a holding tank (deposito) high above the village, the water is then gravity fed through 3 inch pipes to ½ inch pipes to each of the houses.
tank capacity is approx 4mx4mx3m (approx 50k litres)
They refill the tank 2x per week, ie are using approx. 100,000 litres per week
The water is for domestic use, not for drinking, although some may boil it or add chlorine & drink it, mostly they buy garafons of water.
Water hasn’t been tested yet
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 3

5th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Delgada’s name is Hermina Orlalde
Families pay $20 pesos per month, this helps pay for the electricity
the guy that maintains the pump gets $100pesos each time he runs the pump.
Not aware of well reducing in level
2 types of land owners in this village, some own just the land their houses are on, others own that plus land for growing food.

Our observations

The village is very lush, green & well kept
The crops are well tended,
They are only growing maize & beans
There is a large tank at the telesecondaria – not connected to rain collection
No-one is catching/collecting rainwater – the water pipes empty off the roof straight into the mud, even if there is a large container nearby.

Definition of needs by Enrique re La Campana

They need:

More education & training re the conservation of water, ie that it is a precious commodity
More dry toilets, currently only 10 in the village (the rest use flush toilets, wastes 5 litres every flush) dry toilets provide fertilizer, prevent groundwater pollution by faecal matter & are simple to build & maintain.
Access to drinking water, the water they have is for domestic use, not drinking
More water for irrigation, cultivation purposes (currently have a restricted growing season.

Action

NB Bob said he would make prints of the photos of Tomas & his wife & give them to

Them

Next Stop

We stopped at a section of land beside the Jalpa road that FAI had been working on – with the people of nearby villages.

They have installed “presas filtrantes” dam filters, these are essentially rock water breaks placed every 100 metres. They serve several purposes

To slow the flow of water
To retain sediment
To allow plants to naturally grow in the sediment/silt
Allows water to sit longer thence having a chance to recharge the aquifer
This is a simple method of regenerating the ecosystem, with the moisture & silt trapped, plants naturally grow, even throughout the dry season, hence providing food for grazing animals as well.

These mini-dams are maintained annually before the rainy season.


Record of Meeting pg 3 of 3

5th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Next village visited was Soasnavar (according to spelling on side of school)

Here we met with Rogilio Olalde & Primitino Vevetz (sp?) who were happy to discuss the water system in their village.

They told us:

Just 4 months ago (before well was put in) they had no water – previous well had run dry
Sapasma just drilled them a new well, approx 250mtrs deep.
The villagers had to pay $3000 pesos (US$300) per family for the drilling of the well (total approx US$60k)
Approx 200 families in the village
They pump the water from the well to the holding tank
Holding tank estimated !0,000 litres capacity
Water is then gravity fed from the holding tank via pipes to each of the houses
Water is only pumped once a week, Fridays, & people must store the water for use all week.
They have no drinking water, water is for domestic use only
They currently buy garafons of water for drinking (or boil the water in rare cases- if they cant afford to buy the water)
No-one in this village has toilets.
Families pay $50pesos each week for water (from the well)
They pay approx $500 pesos per month to the person that operates the pump – the rest of the money is to go to electricity & chlorine (not sure if it is in liquid or gas form)
There are 2 groups of people in the community, those environmentally aware & those that don’t care, estimated 50/50.
There is a govt. program that tells the people of the communities not to drink water from the wells
They have not had their water tested yet.
NB it is interesting to note that when people say Potable water they more likely mean water for domestic use, not for drinking. Drinking water is likely described as agua para tomar, or purificado.

Comida

We all regrouped for a de-brief at a restaurant in town. Julian couldn’t make it. Eugenia met us there. David Bossman kindly paid.



There was a lot of cross conversations for example - where we should look next, what we can offer, how we can justify projects in villages that already have access to water (albeit that they can’t drink), nothing concrete.

There were no decisions made, at this point.

Next meeting is timetabled for

Thursday 21 August 9am at FAI – with Enrique

4th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Where: Sapasma, (Head office opposite Liverpool)

When: Wed Aug 13th 2008, 9.15pm

Who: Bob Leonard, Laura Stewart & Enrique Orvañanos (& Cessy – Enrique’s partner)SMA Rotary. Ernesto Lopez (Sapasma, Subdirector de Apoyo Rural)
Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Sapasma is the Municipal water organisation, responsible administering & maintaining supply of water (as directed by the Presidencia Municipal - & CNA) to communities in & around SMA

Discoveries/discussion/decisions:

We explained Rotary’s goals. Then specifically asked which of the communities (with a population of more than 150) needed assistance with the supply of or purification of existing supply, of water.



There was a lot of discussion about the feasibility & cost ‘v’ benefit of water collection systems as a total solution. Ernesto explained that most communities were unlikely to be able to store enough water for the whole year (from rainy season to rainy season) & that there needed to be tight controls over who used the water & for what purpose, for example they shouldn’t waste water on their animals therefore depriving neighbours of water.
The current method of water supply by Sapasma is to identify well sites & then pipe the water to as many neighbouring communities as it can reach. There is often dissention amongst communities as they don’t wish (or can’t afford) to share the water.

We asked if the project supplied a cistern & collection & distribution system for the rainy season (& however long it lasted), could Sapasma then truck water to them for the remainder of the season. As long as we had some form of agreement with the people in the community about the conservation & maintenance of the collection system. Ernesto thought that may be a good solution.
Ernesto showed us a map detailing all of the current Sapasma supplied sites – we asked for a copy & were told that we would need to apply in writing to the director (Alfonso) & then we would be supplied with one. It is a comprehensive map showing the entire SMA region, all communities coded by having water or not.




Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2

4th Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Ernesto explained that it is essential that a contract is drawn up between the community & the project administrator – ensuring “buy in” from the community. Listing the responsibilities of all parties. We agreed that our approach would be a best practice Developmental approach whereby all stakeholders were involved in all parts of the process from initiation to completion & to ensure it’s ongoing sustainability.

Ernesto showed us a very comprehensive set of books provided by Comision Estatal del Agua de Gto, to members of communities titled

Mejores Comites, Mejores Comunidades. Website www.guanujuato.gob.mx.

They were guides on maintainance, setting up committees to administer the water systems etc, well written to the target audience.

NB They could be a source of other helpful development materials.

Terms to remember:

Comite pro obra.

Comite de agua potable

Apoyo = asístanse

Deposito = cistern/reservoir
Action

Would Enrique –, please write a letter to Alfonso Sautto asking for a copy of the map detailing “donde existen tuberias de agua potable” on Rotary Letterhead – for use in researching the needs for the water project. This would be best in Spanish…
Questions

Enrique – apologies, but since the meeting was entirely in Spanish I may have missed things…

1.did Ernesto make an arrangement for getting the information to us re the communities that have a popn larger than 150 without access (or planned access) to safe drinking water?

2. do you have any info to add, either specifically relating to the project or information for background for the writing of the proposal?

3rd Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2

3rd Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Department of Ecology, (Municipal offices on Rd to Queretaro)

When: Monday Aug 11th 2008, 2.15pm

Who: Bob Leonard, Laura Stewart & Enrique Orvañanos SMA Rotary. Julio Gonzalez (Dept of Ecology, “monitoreo de la calidad del agua & aire”)
Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Department of Ecology is the Municipal organisation, responsible for monitoring, & improving the quality of, the ecology of the area of SMA.

Discoveries/discussion/decisions:

We explained Rotary’s goals. We specifically asked which of the communities, on the list of communities identified to be affected by dangerously high levels of fluoride (a list previously provided to Rotary & the reason the San Miguel Viejo water collection project was undertaken), the govt. were planning to do projects for & therefore which ones would still need assistance.
Julio identified 9 communities that the Federal Govt. have allocated funding for & 2 that the state govt. have allocated funding for.

The Federal Govt. have apparently allowed $1,270,000pesos (approx US$127k) to do the projects for 9 communities. (approx $US14k per project). (We were not made aware of the funding allocated by the state govt for the 2 projects they are funding).
One community – Guerrero has rejected the Ecology dept’s offer of a water collection project in their area, despite the fact that they have one of the highest levels of fluoride poisoning in their pozos (wells). The Cacique (unspoken boss or Don) has threatened legal action through his lawyer. No reason was given, & the Cacique has prevented it for the whole community.
Julio identified a number of communities that were not on the list for projects.

El Nigromante - has the largest popn (more than 1100). The Ecology dept believed Rotary was planning a project there so did not add it to their list. Therefore we (Bob, Enrique & I) believe it is our responsibility to add this location to the top of our list (assuming they would like to participate).






Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2

3rd Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

The other communities with recorded fluoride levels on the “Fluoride List” (that currently have no projects planned) are: (with risk category & popn in brackets)

Guerrero (mentioned above) (high) (190)
Los Torres (high) (335)
San Francisco (high) (172)
Vergel de los Laureles (moderate) (189)
Loma de Cocina (moderate) (283)
Salitrillo (moderate) (276)
Lindero (moderate) (171)
La Cieneguita (moderate) (875)
Cruz del Palmar High manganeso contamination levels (796)

Other communities to be considered are:

These are communities with no Pozos or access to water:

(popn. Figures in brackets)

Cañada de San Jose (23)
Juan Glez (294) neighbouring Los Ortega (12)
La Joyita (11)
Pinicillo (35)
La Angostura (21)
San Isidro de la Cañada (112)
Xotolar (40)
Los Toriles (166)
Los Toures II (51)

Julio gave us copies of the photos of examples of various water collection methods of the communities listed immediately above. Including shallow “wells”, small dams, sulphurous springs & “puddles”.

Julio’s contact details are:

Ph 120 4332 Mon-Fri 8.30-4. Email juliobernal@sanmiguelallende.gob.mx

2nd record of mtg 11.08.08

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 1

2nd Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: Sapasma, (Head office across from Liverpool)

When: Monday Aug 11^th 2008, 1.15pm

Who: Bob Leonard, Laura Stewart & Enrique Orvañanos SMA Rotary. Alfonso Sanchez (Director of Sapasma)

Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob, Enrique & Laura with defining the “needs” & determining the best proposal, for a major water Project involving the writing of a competitive grant for approx. US$100K .

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

Sapasma is the Municipal water organisation, responsible for administering & maintaining supply of water to communities in & around SMA.

Discoveries/discussion/decisions:

We explained our goals to Alfonso.

He told us that there were essentially 150 communities in SMA, 80 with water & 70 without.

He said that people believed there were more communities, but that they are really small communities or “casario’s”.

Bob enquired about Cruz del Palmar – popn of approx 1100, but with naturally contaminated wells. He mentioned they are building another well there.

He mentioned that there was essentially no surface water usage that lasted the whole year as all the areas of surface water dry up at various stages before the next rainy season.

The meeting was essentially a short one as Alfonso advised he was not the best person in Sapasma to be talking to. He advised us to make a meeting time with his engineer Ernesto Lopez.

Meeting ended. New meeting time to be advised.

1st Exploratory mtg 8.8.2008

Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2

1^st Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

Where: FAI Office, Hidalgo #13 SMA

When: Friday Aug 8^th 2008, 10am - 11.30am

Who: Bob Leonard, Laura Stewart & Gary Peterson(part meeting)(Rotary SMA)

Eugenia (PEASMA), Silvia, Enrique, Carlos (FAI), Julian Gaxiola (UICN)

(FAI= save the children), PEASMA (environmental organisation) UICN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Purpose - SMA Rotary has tasked Bob & Laura with defining the needs & determining the best proposal for a major water Project. This is the first step towards writing the grant for approx. US$100K of competitive grant.

Rationale: As part of the process of defining the “need” we will meet with as many people as possible that are directly involved in the provision of, or are aware of the need for the provision of, safe drinking water solutions to marginal communities.

The team at FAI have been working on this (& other ecological, environmental & conservation) issue(s) for almost 20 years. Likewise has the team of PEASMA for a shorter time. They have been involved in a” hands on” way, working directly with affected communities.

Discoveries/discussion/decisions:

At this point we identified the issues as:

Communities with

• No access to water (ie water is trucked in from any available source – potentially contaminated dams & streams, contaminated pozos* etc)
• Water from pozos – containing various contaminants (natural & introduced)
• Water from streams, rivers or lakes (most likely contaminated)
• Water from pozos – where water level is reducing & not replenishing fast enough to keep up with demand.

*a pozos is a well.

The PEASMA & FAI team brainstormed & came up with 6 communities they believe would be good “project partners” for the following reasons –

• They have water issues ie have a “need”
• They have a working relationship with them already
• They are likely to be receptive to outside assistance/involvement
• They have demonstrated their motivation to learn & help themselves in the past
• The govt. is currently providing no direct assistance with their water issues

The Communities decided on initially are

1. La Campana (near Jalpa)
2. Sosnavar (near Jalpa)
3. Pena Blanca (on road to GTO, no water, only river)
4. La Venta (road to Dolores)
5. El Nina de Atocha (no water, using neighbours’ – near Coral de Piedras- road to Qto)
6. Tierra Blanca (largely indigenous community, needing water for subsistence crops)

Cont.d Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2

1^st Exploratory Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee

There was much discussion across a variety of associated topics. Some points raised were -

1. 60% of villages have drilled pozos (the govt’s previous solution), as a result the aquifer is hugely diminished, the water being used is 100’s if not 1000’s of years old & is not replenishing.
2. FAI & PEASMA have been installing dry composting toilets in the villages (more than 600 of them to date) in order to prevent contamination of groundwater from sewage seepage.
3. Many communities have demonstrated their willingness & eagerness to learn & to change when educated with the issues & possible solutions.
4. Some programs have been implemented where by the receiving village becomes the Starship village & must then demonstrate & replicate their successes for other villages, hence spreading the success.
5. The national water institution is called CAN
6. Each State has their own commission of water, eg in this State (Gto) it is Sapasma
7. Each village has a Committee de Agua Potable, who are tasked with maintaining supply of potable water to the people of the village, for which they are paid (an estimated) $8000pesos per month, for things like electricity, maintaining cuotas, pipes etc. It is questionable about whether the money gets spent for the right purpose.
8. FAI & PEASMA have worked with numerous villages in many regions – the results have been mixed, some very cooperative & receptive, others not so. The region of Allende has historically been difficult to work with, Tierra Blanca & Victoria (for example) have been great, & Dolores has been OK.

Note to Board Members – request for guidance in this matter.

It should be noted that there was discussion re payment of consultancy fees for the FAI & PEASMA people involved in the project. They indicated that they would invoice Rotary for the time spent – at this point, driving Bob & Laura to the villages, introducing us to key stakeholders, assisting with identifying the need etc.

This is a point that needs to be clearly specified from the outset, as SMA Rotary does not have ready funding for this, & it would ultimately be contingent on the success of the grant in December, we would be out of pocket if the grant application is unsuccessful. Payment for services would be expected in an ongoing fashion, so we will need to work out how we will fund this. We will need to apply to the board for guidance in this matter.

Next steps:

Meet at FAI 9am Thursday 14 Aug. Enrique (FAI employee) , (& Julian) will drive us to one or more of the communities.

Meet at FAI 8am Friday 15 Aug. Carlos will drive us to Tierra Blanca (no. 6 on the above list of communities)

On both visits we will take notes, photos & discover their need.