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
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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
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
Monday, February 23, 2009
21st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
21st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 23rd February 2009 10.30am – 12.30pm
Who: Holly Yasui & Benigno (Cedesa), David Gillis (Videographer for CEDESA), Laura (Rotary) & 6 men (no-one from group 3)
Purpose: Today is the first 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
There was an unexpected community meeting in Cruz del Palmar which all of the women were called to attend, hence there were only men at the beginning of the day.
The women came to help after the meeting, & finished the task they had been set – ie to “weave” the wire chicken mesh together with the more sturdy wire mesh enclosed - ½ day earlier than planned.
Leova’s husband came to represent her group.
Step 1 was to lay out the chicken wire, 2 strips side by side.
Step 2 weave the chicken wire together along one side, using wire hook “gancho”s
Step 3 lay maya (sturdy wire mesh) on top of the chicken wire.
Step 4 fold another layer of chicken wire on top of the wire mesh, & then fold the remaining section of the chicken wire over, completely enclosing the wire mesh.
Step 5 weave or crochet the chicken wire from each side together using the gancho’s. (nb this is the time consuming bit, each little diamond of wire has to be en-meshed together & is ideally suited to women’s fine motor skills!!!)
We left before the “weaving” was finished.
See photo album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink
21st Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres Kindergarten.
When: 23rd February 2009 10.30am – 12.30pm
Who: Holly Yasui & Benigno (Cedesa), David Gillis (Videographer for CEDESA), Laura (Rotary) & 6 men (no-one from group 3)
Purpose: Today is the first 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
There was an unexpected community meeting in Cruz del Palmar which all of the women were called to attend, hence there were only men at the beginning of the day.
The women came to help after the meeting, & finished the task they had been set – ie to “weave” the wire chicken mesh together with the more sturdy wire mesh enclosed - ½ day earlier than planned.
Leova’s husband came to represent her group.
Step 1 was to lay out the chicken wire, 2 strips side by side.
Step 2 weave the chicken wire together along one side, using wire hook “gancho”s
Step 3 lay maya (sturdy wire mesh) on top of the chicken wire.
Step 4 fold another layer of chicken wire on top of the wire mesh, & then fold the remaining section of the chicken wire over, completely enclosing the wire mesh.
Step 5 weave or crochet the chicken wire from each side together using the gancho’s. (nb this is the time consuming bit, each little diamond of wire has to be en-meshed together & is ideally suited to women’s fine motor skills!!!)
We left before the “weaving” was finished.
See photo album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauramex/LosTorresPilotProjectDay1?feat=directlink
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
20th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2
20th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres School kitchen.
When: 4th February 2009 12 – 2.30
Who: Jose Miguel – Delegado , Ma Jesus (delegada), total of 43 people including 7 men. Holly Yasui, Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Tom & Anne Pinfold (Sechelt Rotary – Partners), Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Following is the summary email sent as an update of the 4.2.09 meeting in Los Torres.
Hi Guys
I just wanted to give a quick summary of today,
It was great to have Tom Pinfold (Sechelt Rotary President) & his wife Anne with us to see things up close & personal.
We left at 11am, met with Chela, Benigno & Holly at El Cortijo & headed off together to Los Torres.
The community slowly gathered & we started the meeting about 12.30.
There were 45 people attending (very close to a quorum for an assembly, since there are 94 families - according to the delegado).
There was the usual discussion at the beginning about what constitutes a meeting v an assembly. Then there was more discussion regarding the fluoride test level by Ecology.
All the people there were there because they wish to participate in the project.
1. The dates were set for the demonstration construction of the 1st ferro cement cistern at the Kindergarten.
4 days, 23.24,25,&26th February.
2. Chela asked for people to:
• manage the delivery of the materials, (cement, rebar, mesh etc) make sure they were secure (Maria Soria, & Guillermina Barranca - can contact by cell phone via Maria Jesus)
• get the best price & arrange for the delivery of sand & gravel (Jose Miguel - Delegado)
• manage 4 teams of workers for the training days (Jose Miguel Cruz, Juan Alvarado, Primo Barranco, Leova Barranca)
• split into each of the 4 teams (there were 11 + the leader in each team) (I have a list of names of each of the people in each team)
• Each of the managers needs to ensure at least 2 people attend all of the days so they learn the complete process from beginning to end.
3. The list of tools required were:
Cortaporno (wire/metal cutter) x 1
Tijera para lamina (tin cutter) x 1
Palos (poles) x2
Caretilla (wheelbarrow) x 1
Cuchara (trowel) x 1
Llana per person (not sure what this is!)
The community said they have all the tools required already.
4. There was a huge ferocious dogfight for a long 3 or 4 minutes then someone threw a rock at them & they took it elsewhere!! (only in Mexico!)
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
20th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
5. The hours of work were set 10am to 5pm each day. With comida likely around 11am.
6. At least 3 people from each group should attend each day, with (as mentioned earlier) 2 of those attending everyday for consistency.
The people of the community asked when we would have the answer about the big project, ie that the funding would be definite. I gave a commitment of the end of March.
The next assembly date was set for March 4th at 12pm
The meeting ended at 2.30.
Conclusion:
Although the initial survey done by the women in both the upper & lower community determined that every family (except 3 maybes) were interested in participating in the building of the cisterns - ie they all wanted them, since then the Sapasma well has been drilled & some of the community are confused by the opposing information they are receiving about the contamination of the water. The mayor told them that the water is pure. He could not have known this at the time as the test results had not been received.
If we hold up the project & give a workshop on water quality, the reducing aquifer, etc we will not achieve the completion of the project in time for the rainy season.
It seems likely that given the facts & after the demonstration of the ease of building their own cisterns, that other families will change their minds & "jump back on board".
The "early adopters" are very keen, & they say they are always the ones that get things going in the community, but that the others will want it when they take the time to know more about the project & see that it is for real & not just a series of meetings (as it has been).
If we change the MG project now, we risk not getting the funding on time & missing the boat.
If we leave the MG as it stands we have the possibility of the other families joining later or - if they choose not to - then, downsizing the project & refunding the monies.
Certainly the feeling at the presidencia meeting was that this is a very worthwhile project & will be a good model for other communities. We will invite the members of the Montecillo de Nieto (neighbouring) community to attend the demonstration cistern building days.
A question was raised "if there are members of the LT community that choose not to participate are we able to offer their cisterns to the people in the Montecillo de Nieto community that would like to be involved?". This community has an active group of women leaders that have been vocal at the 2 presidencia meetings & look to be very pro-active.
Any comments? maybe we should meet before the next scheduled CPC meeting to discuss these points.
Tom we'd appreciate your thoughts from the partner club viewpoint, also you have a lot more background now, do you think there is any additional information we should provide to the other partners at this point?
Love
Laura
(PS Bill could you tell Judy that Maria de Jesus was asking after her today, she misses talking to her - I told her that the break was a bad one & that she is still recuperating)
20th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: Los Torres School kitchen.
When: 4th February 2009 12 – 2.30
Who: Jose Miguel – Delegado , Ma Jesus (delegada), total of 43 people including 7 men. Holly Yasui, Chela & Benigno (Cedesa), Tom & Anne Pinfold (Sechelt Rotary – Partners), Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Following is the summary email sent as an update of the 4.2.09 meeting in Los Torres.
Hi Guys
I just wanted to give a quick summary of today,
It was great to have Tom Pinfold (Sechelt Rotary President) & his wife Anne with us to see things up close & personal.
We left at 11am, met with Chela, Benigno & Holly at El Cortijo & headed off together to Los Torres.
The community slowly gathered & we started the meeting about 12.30.
There were 45 people attending (very close to a quorum for an assembly, since there are 94 families - according to the delegado).
There was the usual discussion at the beginning about what constitutes a meeting v an assembly. Then there was more discussion regarding the fluoride test level by Ecology.
All the people there were there because they wish to participate in the project.
1. The dates were set for the demonstration construction of the 1st ferro cement cistern at the Kindergarten.
4 days, 23.24,25,&26th February.
2. Chela asked for people to:
• manage the delivery of the materials, (cement, rebar, mesh etc) make sure they were secure (Maria Soria, & Guillermina Barranca - can contact by cell phone via Maria Jesus)
• get the best price & arrange for the delivery of sand & gravel (Jose Miguel - Delegado)
• manage 4 teams of workers for the training days (Jose Miguel Cruz, Juan Alvarado, Primo Barranco, Leova Barranca)
• split into each of the 4 teams (there were 11 + the leader in each team) (I have a list of names of each of the people in each team)
• Each of the managers needs to ensure at least 2 people attend all of the days so they learn the complete process from beginning to end.
3. The list of tools required were:
Cortaporno (wire/metal cutter) x 1
Tijera para lamina (tin cutter) x 1
Palos (poles) x2
Caretilla (wheelbarrow) x 1
Cuchara (trowel) x 1
Llana per person (not sure what this is!)
The community said they have all the tools required already.
4. There was a huge ferocious dogfight for a long 3 or 4 minutes then someone threw a rock at them & they took it elsewhere!! (only in Mexico!)
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
20th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
5. The hours of work were set 10am to 5pm each day. With comida likely around 11am.
6. At least 3 people from each group should attend each day, with (as mentioned earlier) 2 of those attending everyday for consistency.
The people of the community asked when we would have the answer about the big project, ie that the funding would be definite. I gave a commitment of the end of March.
The next assembly date was set for March 4th at 12pm
The meeting ended at 2.30.
Conclusion:
Although the initial survey done by the women in both the upper & lower community determined that every family (except 3 maybes) were interested in participating in the building of the cisterns - ie they all wanted them, since then the Sapasma well has been drilled & some of the community are confused by the opposing information they are receiving about the contamination of the water. The mayor told them that the water is pure. He could not have known this at the time as the test results had not been received.
If we hold up the project & give a workshop on water quality, the reducing aquifer, etc we will not achieve the completion of the project in time for the rainy season.
It seems likely that given the facts & after the demonstration of the ease of building their own cisterns, that other families will change their minds & "jump back on board".
The "early adopters" are very keen, & they say they are always the ones that get things going in the community, but that the others will want it when they take the time to know more about the project & see that it is for real & not just a series of meetings (as it has been).
If we change the MG project now, we risk not getting the funding on time & missing the boat.
If we leave the MG as it stands we have the possibility of the other families joining later or - if they choose not to - then, downsizing the project & refunding the monies.
Certainly the feeling at the presidencia meeting was that this is a very worthwhile project & will be a good model for other communities. We will invite the members of the Montecillo de Nieto (neighbouring) community to attend the demonstration cistern building days.
A question was raised "if there are members of the LT community that choose not to participate are we able to offer their cisterns to the people in the Montecillo de Nieto community that would like to be involved?". This community has an active group of women leaders that have been vocal at the 2 presidencia meetings & look to be very pro-active.
Any comments? maybe we should meet before the next scheduled CPC meeting to discuss these points.
Tom we'd appreciate your thoughts from the partner club viewpoint, also you have a lot more background now, do you think there is any additional information we should provide to the other partners at this point?
Love
Laura
(PS Bill could you tell Judy that Maria de Jesus was asking after her today, she misses talking to her - I told her that the break was a bad one & that she is still recuperating)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Record of Meeting pg 1 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
Where: El Presidencia at the Municipal Buildings on the road to Queretaro.
When: 28th January 2009 11.30 – 2.30
Who: Enrique Nunez (director), Don Patterson & Julio (ecology dept), Rafael (brother of Jose Miguel – Delegado Los Torres Community), The delegado & 3 women from Montecillo de Nieto Community. Miguel Ramirez (Desarrollo Social), Holly Yasui (Cedesa), Enrique Orvananos & Laura Stewart (San Miguel Midday Rotary Club),
Purpose of the meeting: to follow up on the previous meeting held 19th Nov 2008 – to discuss community issues including the supply of safe drinking water.
Ecology reported that the Sapasma well had been drilled to a level of 180mtrs.
Ecology dept has carried out preliminary water testing & discovered that the water from the new well contains 2.0mg/l (the allowable level is 1.5mg/l) of fluoride.
The tests are not exact yet as the water is too turbid. Don Patterson is planning to carry out further testing in 3 months when the water has settled.
Testing has also been carried out in the past on the shallow well that is approx 1 hr’s walk from LT. It is also high in fluoride.
Don explained the implications of high fluoride levels to the communities. The damage it does to the teeth & skeletal system as well as other symptoms. They had not heard of this before (except Rafael as LT had previously been advised of the fluoride contamination in their family wells.
Enrique N. spoke to the communities to tell them of the many programs available to them from the various govt departments. Including:
• Reforestation project – members of the community are eligible to receive the average daily wage plus free trees, for the planting in their area. They need to contact Don at Ecology re this program.
• The local govt. is planning to build a road through the back way from LT/Montecillo de Nieto to SMA – if the communities work together to create a committee they can represent themselves to the govt & will be favourably received.
• Montecillo Sports teams are now winning (thanks to assistance) & Enrique N wants the same for LT.
• They need to work together as there are funds available for work & materials, especially provided in programs by the govt. to assist men returning from the USA without work.
Montecillo community members raised the issue of rubbish being thrown into their river by weekend ‘tourists’ that come for the free hotsprings. They have approached them many times to take their rubbish with them but no one is listening.
Action Ecology pledged to send inspectors for 4 weekends & also to deputise the women of the community so that they can be ‘community inspectors’
Miguel Ramirez of Desarollo urbano (urban development) has been visiting the communities in the region, to ask them their priorities regarding issues they have.
Following are a sample of the issues he has discovered:
• no toilets
• contamination from lack of sanitation
• lack of water
Record of Meeting pg 2 of 2
19th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Water Project Committee
He said that Ecology had made some promises about building dry toilets for some of these communities but that had not happened yet. Ecology said they don’t have the budget for it right now.
Miguel is gathering statistics on requirements & will then present a needs analysis.
One of the communities he visited is collecting plastics & batteries & other recyclables for recycling. All communities could be doing this. They will receive a small amount in compensation from the recycling program on Libramiento Dolores.
To summarise:
The various govt. departments have many programs available to the people, but first the communities must mobilise themselves.
A good website that lists these programs is www.sedesol.gob.mx
Contact numbers:
Enrique Núñez Martínez
Secretario Técnico
Circuito Escolar S/N
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán
CP 04510 México D.F.
014611335221
ID 52*270690*2
enrique_nunezm@yahoo.com.mx
His phone number at the Presidencia is: 152-9600 ext 147
Miguel Angel Ramirez Desarollo Social & Urbano
Tel 415 112 62221/ oficina 120 4330 & 4331
Rafael Los Torres Community representative Cel 415 100 9482
Next meeting scheduled for 25 Feb 11am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)