Record of Event
Where: Salon de Lectura Cienega Juana Ruiz
When: Wed 4.5.11 5pm (we were late coming from our planning meeting) – 8pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly + (Cedesa), Laura, (Rotary), 3 Sapasma Promoters + 30 adults (incl 4 men) from Community of Cienega.
Purpose: 2nd planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Villa de Guadalupe) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 26 family cisterns in Cienega + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
Chela explained why we were late, we had had 3 meetings prior to this one.
A co-ordinator was elected – Adriana & secretary (?)
Introductions by Sapasma, & the Roll was called. Chela asked who else was attended (other than those on the list) & why they were here – they responded they were interested in getting water.
One person who is on the list does not have space for the cistern so is donating her place. Chela asked who agreed & who want3ed to comment. Amelia (consejo rep) explained that it was a decision for the whole group to discuss & make.
Chela wanted to clarify that the project is not a normal program/handout but an involved process. She asked if anyone wanted to talk about the water situation in general to know more.
The discussion then covered the topics of contaminants, bacterial v chemical/mineral. The contaminant fluoride was discussed, along with the symptoms. & the method of killing bacteria with the Sodis (www.sodis.ch) was briefly explained.
Chela asked why Sapasma was there – the crowd responded to learn the process along side us & to provide resources, & also to talk about the pozo issue.
Chela “so you have your resources organized already?” si, but we need to organize the work groups, & plan the project, we have done that already, for our homework! We have 5 groups organized…
We then had a discussion as we had only budgeted on 4 work groups (ie each work group needs their own set of plywood & water truck deliveries – in this case). So we needed to reorganize the work groups into just 4 groups.
There was discussion about the water situation, as there is none in this community (only irrigation wells from which they have to “borrow” water, or dry river beds where they excavate approx. 1mtr to collect the water from the muddy puddle), we need to organize with Sapasma to have pipas (water trucks), & these cost money – so a solicitude needs to be made (with Sapasma’s promoters assistance) to the municipality to cover the cost of these water truck deliveries, which are essential for the construction of the cisterns.
Holly spent many hours working on the solution, she estimated the qty of water for each cistern to be approx. 2400 cisterns, ie 12 tambos (big buckets), each truck can be 5000 or 10,000 ltrs so need to arrange for deliveries sufficient for 2400 per family per group. A schedule has been drawn up to ensure the construction of the cisterns is not held up for lack of water deliveries.
Chela asked who at Sapasma is responsible for ensuring the water deliveries, & the promoters responded Waldo.
The groups were then formed - 4 groups (formatting lost in this blog!)
Luis Gonz
Ricardo Guerrero ©
Soccorro Soria ©
Adriana Ramirez
Veronica Torres
Abelina Soria
Emelia Gonz (CC)/A
Audencia
Marina Ramz.
Elisa Martinez©
Jose Soria
Victoria Vargas
Rosalia Vargas ©
Rutilia Ramz
Luisa Guerrero
Calina Vasquez (a)
Javier Guerrero ©
Carmela Guerrero©
Estela Monton
Sanjuana Torres
Almadelia ©
Paulina (a)
Juana Vazquez
Imelda Martinez ©
Victoria Vazquez
Consuelo Juarez
There was a discussion about the need for a minimum of 1-2 abaniles per each group, if they are not available on afternoons or weekends even, they will need, as a group to contribute to pay someone. Emelia pointed out that many people can be abaniles, they don’t need a degree in it she asked Sergio “have you got a degree?” everyone laughed.
Sapasma asked if they can take photos to record the process, Emelia began preening herself & again everyone cracked up laughing.
The co-ordinator role for the groups was explained, ie they are the go-to people for deliveries, short deliveries, issues etc, 2 co-ordinators were appointed for each group.
Emelia was appointed as community co-ordinator (ie overall co-ordinator).
Saul explained that the abanile involvement is very important, it is essential to make the best possible cistern so it does not fail you…
Emelia mentioned how much she is enjoying the thought of working together in groups, this community have worked together before & have achieved a lot, they have facilities we have not seen in other communities, eg a community kitchen, a health clinic, a library, & even a small bull ring… they enjoy working together, Emelia “it is one thing to be talking about work, but it really lifts your spirits when you work together & slap on the cement!”
Saul reiterated – it really is a joy to work in teams on these projects – developing harmony.
Saul mentioned the chain of command re the group work, re errors or issues, try to resolve them amongst your group, then with your group co-ordinators, then with the community co-ordinator & as a last resort call him.
Hours of work re the Pilot
The pilot is to begin in Cienega on the 9th May. There was discussion about starting time for the day’s work. Some wanted to start at 7am, others 8am & others 9am. 8 am was the consensus.
When deliveries are ready they call Saul, & Saul will all the leaders of the project to meet the trucks to tell them where to go.
Attendance at the pilot is ideal for all members all days, ie to learn the process fully. Those that really can not attend need to send representatives, &/or provide food & drink.
PVC limit 2.5 tramos per family
Saul mentioned there is a limit to the qty of PVC piping that will be supplied by the project, many people want to have their cisterns way away from the house & this costs more in piping. The new method is to build the cistern as close as poss. Or where they desire, then measure the piping requirements once the cistern is in place, this is a more precise method.
The location of the cistern is important & needs to take into account the overall plan for the whole backyard, including gardens, rubbish, compost, animals, fruit trees, etc.
Some people paint pictures or decorate their cisterns, in Vivienda Urbana someone has drawn a picture of jesus on the cross, in Vivienda Arriba they have elephants on the side & stampeding up the top! The cistern is there for your whole life so it’s important to accommodate it in the best possible spot.
It is 2.5 mtrs high + .7 more for the peak.
No throwaway cups & plates – the volume of rubbish created during the communal meetings is immense & everyone is encouraged to bring re-usable plates & cups to cut down waste.
Tools – the tools required for the first day were listed, including ladders, wheelbarrows, big buckets, wire cutters, grinder, sieves
End of planning session for the Water Project
Pozo…
Discussion/plans were made re the situation with the Pozo.
Piping was put in place approx. 3 yrs ago, after working on the issue for 7 yrs, but now the pipes are in a state of disrepair & they are still not hooked up to the well.
There is an issue re the concession holder for the well, he went to the USA, they have been working on changing the ownership of the concession.
Sapasma asked if they had a water committee, the delegado said yes they have been appointed but have never received training, Sapasma explained they may have been missed, they have trained 83 communities in the region but must have missed this one.
A phone number was exchanged so the delegado can co=ordinate a training session for the water committee.
The Delegado mentioned they have been working for many years on the issue of provision of water with Sapasma, but have not got anywhere.
Chela said there are many responsible, not just Sapasma, that the whole community needs to take responsibility to push this forward. (I missed the end of the meeting as had to take a phone call)
Meeting finished at 7.20pm & a big feast was provided!
Next meeting 9/5/11 – pilot construction at Casa de Salud begins 8am.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Report of 12th Event Re Tierra Blanca
Record of Event
Where: Car journey on the way to Unam in Juriquilla
When: May 3rd 9.15-10.15.
Who: Saul (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), Abraham, Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita Santa Rosa) & Cata (Cruz del Palmar)
Purpose: We were on our way to UNAM in Juriquilla to meet with Dr Ortega (resident ground water expert in this state) on the subject of the higher than normal mortality rate in Tierra Blanca as well as information regarding the water situation in this region.
Informal Update:
I asked Saul & the Tierra Blanca community reps. how the project in Tierra Blanca (constructing 42 cisterns) was coming along… The 2 pilots have been finished, & the 40 other cisterns are almost finished. We have altered the method of ordering the PVC, Saul has found that placing the order in advance results in waste or shortage of PVC, as many families change their minds about the position of the cistern when they actually come to build them.
For this reason we now wait until the cisterns are built so they measurements can be more accurate.
The PVC order has since been placed & delivered, so the cisterns are almost complete. They estimate 1 wk more & all will be finished in Tierra Blanca.
The pilot started on 4th April so this has been an extremely speedy project, the community have really pulled together well to ensure these have been built so quickly!
Where: Car journey on the way to Unam in Juriquilla
When: May 3rd 9.15-10.15.
Who: Saul (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), Abraham, Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita Santa Rosa) & Cata (Cruz del Palmar)
Purpose: We were on our way to UNAM in Juriquilla to meet with Dr Ortega (resident ground water expert in this state) on the subject of the higher than normal mortality rate in Tierra Blanca as well as information regarding the water situation in this region.
Informal Update:
I asked Saul & the Tierra Blanca community reps. how the project in Tierra Blanca (constructing 42 cisterns) was coming along… The 2 pilots have been finished, & the 40 other cisterns are almost finished. We have altered the method of ordering the PVC, Saul has found that placing the order in advance results in waste or shortage of PVC, as many families change their minds about the position of the cistern when they actually come to build them.
For this reason we now wait until the cisterns are built so they measurements can be more accurate.
The PVC order has since been placed & delivered, so the cisterns are almost complete. They estimate 1 wk more & all will be finished in Tierra Blanca.
The pilot started on 4th April so this has been an extremely speedy project, the community have really pulled together well to ensure these have been built so quickly!
8th Regional Event of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Where: UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) Juriquilla
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications was mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publically provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problema & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method (used by Ecosciences) is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications was mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publically provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problema & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method (used by Ecosciences) is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
Regional Event of the Communities requesting assistance with water UNAM
Regional Event of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Where: UNAM Juriquilla
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications were mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publicly provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problem & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
Where: UNAM Juriquilla
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications were mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publicly provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problem & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Encuentro Campesino (7th Regional Meeting)
14 de abril del 2011
Over 100 people from 15 communities in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende attended the Encuentro Campesino organized by CEDESA in the community of Los Torres on April 14, 2011.
The communities that participated included Cruz del Palmar, Corralejos de Abajo, Palmita II, Montecillo de Nieto, San Lorenzo, Villa Guadalupe, Tierra Blanca, Capaderillo, Guerrero, VIvienda Urbana, Juan Gonzales, La Tinaja, Presita Santa Rosa, Cienaga de Juana Ruiz and of course Los Torres, which hosted the event. Two communities that are part of the Rural Citizens Council on Water did not attend, Vivienda de Arriba and Cinco Señores.
The event started with audio-visuals – a power-point presentation called “Tierra” that gave a general overview of the situation of climate change from a global perspective; a power-point presentation called “El Pueblo del Maiz” that dealt with that emblematic plant that is basic to the history, culture and economy of Mexico in terms of origins, bio-technology, and food sovereignty; and finally, a drawing made by children of Tierra Blanca illustrating that community’s territory, including ejido, other milpas, church, ancient burial sites and homes.
The women of Los Torres provided a delicious lunch, served for the most part on non-disposable plates (and plates that the participants brought) to avoid the contamination of paper- & Styrofoam plates and cups that have in recent years accompanied most community fiestas but that we are consciously trying to eliminate from our collective practice.
After lunch, the assembly was divided into six groups; three of people under 35 and three of people over 35. In these groups, the presentations were discussed and solutions proposed; representatives of each group presented their groups’ conclusions.
Regarding climate change, the groups’ conclusions included curtailing non-ecological practices such as the burning of fields to clear them and cutting of trees for firewood; and in place of those practices, planting trees, especially on the banks of rivers and using crop rotation and combinations to enrich the soil.
Regarding food sovereignty, the groups discussed how to avoid bio-engineered plants (exchange of seeds, seed banks) and dependence on the food industry (growing one’s own food in gardens, exchanging products).
Regarding territory, representatives of the groups mentioned the problems of immigration, to the cities and to the North, and purchase of land by foreigners and agribusiness; solutions proposed were to develop self-sufficient family economies through improved farming practices, family enterprises and campaigns against selling of land.
The participants in this first Encuentro Campesino were enthusiastic about meeting again in order to learn some practical ways to improve their self-sufficiency in ecologically sound ways. CEDESA proposed five mini-workshops to take place on May 25, 2011 in the community of Capaderillo, including terracing of fields to retain rainwater that would otherwise be run-off; bio-intensive gardening, using compost and plants germinated in seedbeds; the cultivation of nopal in “tunnels” (homemade greenhouses) for production of tender pads for eating and fruits; backyard design, including permaculture concepts of placement of elements such as pathways, vegetable gardens, herb gardens, fruit trees, animals, and eco-technologies such as gray-water filtering, drip-irrigation; and medicinal plants, including common species that can be gathered in the wild or cultivated and techniques for preparing teas, infusions and salves.
It was announced at this meeting that the board of directors of the Rural Citizens Council on Water will be meeting with Mayor Lucy Nuñez on Monday, May 2. The board agreed to meet in Montecillo de Nieto on April 27 to plan that meeting, and all participants were encouraged to bring their concerns to the board via their Council representatives, to be dealt with at the meeting with the Mayor.
The rainwater-harvesting system pilot project was confirmed for the communities of Juan Gonzales, San Lorenzo and Cinco Señores, to start on April 25. Though financing by the Fondo Verde has been approved for the 14 cisterns to be built in the latter two communities, the funds have not yet been released.
Two communities, Presita Santa Rosa and Guerrero, asked CEDESA for organizational help in calling assemblies to resolve problems of lack of participation and refusal by the delegado to sign the nomination documents for the Council and applications for dry toilets. We have called an assembly in Presita Santa Rosa for April 27 at 11 a.m. and in Guerrero on April 29 at 12 noon.
SAPASMA, the municipal water utility, has committed $435,000 pesos for the construction of 53 rain-harvesting systems in the communities of Villa de Guadalupe and Cienaga de Juana Ruiz. The pilot projects for those two projects, (during which the participating families will be trained in the construction cisterns), will begin on May 2 & May 9 respectively. There will be an assembly in Villa de Guadalupe on April 29 to finalize their planning for the pilot and also to update the community with regard to the issues with the well; and a planning assembly in Cienaga de Juana Ruiz on May 4 to plan their pilot.
These minutes respectfully submitted by Holly Yasui (Cedesa).
Over 100 people from 15 communities in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende attended the Encuentro Campesino organized by CEDESA in the community of Los Torres on April 14, 2011.
The communities that participated included Cruz del Palmar, Corralejos de Abajo, Palmita II, Montecillo de Nieto, San Lorenzo, Villa Guadalupe, Tierra Blanca, Capaderillo, Guerrero, VIvienda Urbana, Juan Gonzales, La Tinaja, Presita Santa Rosa, Cienaga de Juana Ruiz and of course Los Torres, which hosted the event. Two communities that are part of the Rural Citizens Council on Water did not attend, Vivienda de Arriba and Cinco Señores.
The event started with audio-visuals – a power-point presentation called “Tierra” that gave a general overview of the situation of climate change from a global perspective; a power-point presentation called “El Pueblo del Maiz” that dealt with that emblematic plant that is basic to the history, culture and economy of Mexico in terms of origins, bio-technology, and food sovereignty; and finally, a drawing made by children of Tierra Blanca illustrating that community’s territory, including ejido, other milpas, church, ancient burial sites and homes.
The women of Los Torres provided a delicious lunch, served for the most part on non-disposable plates (and plates that the participants brought) to avoid the contamination of paper- & Styrofoam plates and cups that have in recent years accompanied most community fiestas but that we are consciously trying to eliminate from our collective practice.
After lunch, the assembly was divided into six groups; three of people under 35 and three of people over 35. In these groups, the presentations were discussed and solutions proposed; representatives of each group presented their groups’ conclusions.
Regarding climate change, the groups’ conclusions included curtailing non-ecological practices such as the burning of fields to clear them and cutting of trees for firewood; and in place of those practices, planting trees, especially on the banks of rivers and using crop rotation and combinations to enrich the soil.
Regarding food sovereignty, the groups discussed how to avoid bio-engineered plants (exchange of seeds, seed banks) and dependence on the food industry (growing one’s own food in gardens, exchanging products).
Regarding territory, representatives of the groups mentioned the problems of immigration, to the cities and to the North, and purchase of land by foreigners and agribusiness; solutions proposed were to develop self-sufficient family economies through improved farming practices, family enterprises and campaigns against selling of land.
The participants in this first Encuentro Campesino were enthusiastic about meeting again in order to learn some practical ways to improve their self-sufficiency in ecologically sound ways. CEDESA proposed five mini-workshops to take place on May 25, 2011 in the community of Capaderillo, including terracing of fields to retain rainwater that would otherwise be run-off; bio-intensive gardening, using compost and plants germinated in seedbeds; the cultivation of nopal in “tunnels” (homemade greenhouses) for production of tender pads for eating and fruits; backyard design, including permaculture concepts of placement of elements such as pathways, vegetable gardens, herb gardens, fruit trees, animals, and eco-technologies such as gray-water filtering, drip-irrigation; and medicinal plants, including common species that can be gathered in the wild or cultivated and techniques for preparing teas, infusions and salves.
It was announced at this meeting that the board of directors of the Rural Citizens Council on Water will be meeting with Mayor Lucy Nuñez on Monday, May 2. The board agreed to meet in Montecillo de Nieto on April 27 to plan that meeting, and all participants were encouraged to bring their concerns to the board via their Council representatives, to be dealt with at the meeting with the Mayor.
The rainwater-harvesting system pilot project was confirmed for the communities of Juan Gonzales, San Lorenzo and Cinco Señores, to start on April 25. Though financing by the Fondo Verde has been approved for the 14 cisterns to be built in the latter two communities, the funds have not yet been released.
Two communities, Presita Santa Rosa and Guerrero, asked CEDESA for organizational help in calling assemblies to resolve problems of lack of participation and refusal by the delegado to sign the nomination documents for the Council and applications for dry toilets. We have called an assembly in Presita Santa Rosa for April 27 at 11 a.m. and in Guerrero on April 29 at 12 noon.
SAPASMA, the municipal water utility, has committed $435,000 pesos for the construction of 53 rain-harvesting systems in the communities of Villa de Guadalupe and Cienaga de Juana Ruiz. The pilot projects for those two projects, (during which the participating families will be trained in the construction cisterns), will begin on May 2 & May 9 respectively. There will be an assembly in Villa de Guadalupe on April 29 to finalize their planning for the pilot and also to update the community with regard to the issues with the well; and a planning assembly in Cienaga de Juana Ruiz on May 4 to plan their pilot.
These minutes respectfully submitted by Holly Yasui (Cedesa).
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
1st Mtg Cienega Juana Ruiz
Record of Event pg 1 of 2
Where: Salon de Lectura
When: Wed 13.4.11 3.40pm (we were late) – 5pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly + Audelia (Cedesa), Laura, (Rotary), + 20 adults (incl 2 men) from Community of Cienega.
Purpose: 1st planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Villa de Guadalupe) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 26 family cisterns in Cienega + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
The attendance roll was read out.
Chela explained that representatives of this community had been regularly attending assemblies in other communities to ask for assistance in receiving materials & training to build cisterns, as they have no safe drinking water here.
Chela asked everyone in the circle to introduce themselves.
She then gave a little of the history of the projects to date, Saul explained that today’s meeting was as a result of the Consejo deciding that Cienega were to be next in line to receive resources, hence they were receiving resources from Sapasma for 26 cisterns in this community, as well as $$ from Bellingham Rotary club to pay for the pilot training cistern.
Chela said so we’re here today to begin planning but also to get to know eachother better.
It is very important for the sake of future projects that this project be successful, as it is essentially a pilot project for Sapasma, to learn how to do more of these in other communities, they will be treating this as a model & also learning in Villa de Guadalupe.
The community mentioned they had 5 or 6 meetings on the topic of water already, “we were very united while we had the project to build this building (the salon we were sitting in) & we are keen to unite to achieve safe drinking water for our community as the next project”
We proposed that the pilot be 9/5 – community agreed this would be a good time as later they would have to be working planting in the fields as the rains are the only way to water their crops & they need to plant in readiness.
Saul asked if everyone is aware of the work process of this project.
Saul asked someone to describe what working in groups meant, one of the older guys responded that that’s how they built their corrals, we work together, & each family provides food. This community has also been working together for years to grow medicinal herbs which they sell in various locations including the market in SMA.
Amelia (the delegada’s wife) explained that it is not her responsibility to advise people about the meeting times, if people are interested they need to come to her, or write it down from the last meeting.
Saul responded – for us this is good, if you are organized & harmonious it’s good for us & also very good for Sapasma, since this is a pilot project, & will encourage more projects of this type in the future. So, if you are harmonious congratulations! & it will be much easier for all of us.
Saul began to describe the process: we begin in a public location that will benefit everyone, & build a pilot cistern there, during the construction of that cistern – approx. 4.5 days, everyone will learn the process of building a cistern & connecting it to your roof, so you can build your own in family groups.
Current water situation
The question of contamination arose - & the community informed they have damaged teeth, they dig shallow wells by the river to get their water, but at the end of the dry season hard to find.
Re the big Pozo (well), there is still a problem with the concession of this well, the concession holder has gone to the States & needs to sign over paperwork to someone else to be able to connect & use the pozo. There were pipes laid years ago, but it has not been resolved since then & therefore these pipes are now in a state of dis-repair. The community paid for these pipes, by individual family contribution.
They have been working approx. 7 years on this, & by their admission worked a bit backwards, ie they put in the piping first & still have not had it connected so they need to spend more money on repairs & need to work out how & who to charge for this… it is 3 yrs since they put in the pipes.
Position for pilot cistern
Apparently they already have a cistern at the kinder so decided to build the pilot a the health clinic instead.
Pilot start date 9/5.
Laura to have materials paid & delivered by 6/5 in readiness for 9/5.
Next meeting (Sapasma also invited) 4/5/11 at 4pm at the Salon de Lectura
Meeting adjourned & we were taken to the Community kitchen, & offered tostadas with lettuce & soya “meat”, tomato, avocado & cilantro…
While we were there we noticed they had a number of treadle sewing machines, apparently it was part of a govt. program, but the training was too condensed & no-one remembers, Laura undertook to see if she could find some “sewing experts” to give lessons.
Where: Salon de Lectura
When: Wed 13.4.11 3.40pm (we were late) – 5pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly + Audelia (Cedesa), Laura, (Rotary), + 20 adults (incl 2 men) from Community of Cienega.
Purpose: 1st planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Villa de Guadalupe) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 26 family cisterns in Cienega + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
The attendance roll was read out.
Chela explained that representatives of this community had been regularly attending assemblies in other communities to ask for assistance in receiving materials & training to build cisterns, as they have no safe drinking water here.
Chela asked everyone in the circle to introduce themselves.
She then gave a little of the history of the projects to date, Saul explained that today’s meeting was as a result of the Consejo deciding that Cienega were to be next in line to receive resources, hence they were receiving resources from Sapasma for 26 cisterns in this community, as well as $$ from Bellingham Rotary club to pay for the pilot training cistern.
Chela said so we’re here today to begin planning but also to get to know eachother better.
It is very important for the sake of future projects that this project be successful, as it is essentially a pilot project for Sapasma, to learn how to do more of these in other communities, they will be treating this as a model & also learning in Villa de Guadalupe.
The community mentioned they had 5 or 6 meetings on the topic of water already, “we were very united while we had the project to build this building (the salon we were sitting in) & we are keen to unite to achieve safe drinking water for our community as the next project”
We proposed that the pilot be 9/5 – community agreed this would be a good time as later they would have to be working planting in the fields as the rains are the only way to water their crops & they need to plant in readiness.
Saul asked if everyone is aware of the work process of this project.
Saul asked someone to describe what working in groups meant, one of the older guys responded that that’s how they built their corrals, we work together, & each family provides food. This community has also been working together for years to grow medicinal herbs which they sell in various locations including the market in SMA.
Amelia (the delegada’s wife) explained that it is not her responsibility to advise people about the meeting times, if people are interested they need to come to her, or write it down from the last meeting.
Saul responded – for us this is good, if you are organized & harmonious it’s good for us & also very good for Sapasma, since this is a pilot project, & will encourage more projects of this type in the future. So, if you are harmonious congratulations! & it will be much easier for all of us.
Saul began to describe the process: we begin in a public location that will benefit everyone, & build a pilot cistern there, during the construction of that cistern – approx. 4.5 days, everyone will learn the process of building a cistern & connecting it to your roof, so you can build your own in family groups.
Current water situation
The question of contamination arose - & the community informed they have damaged teeth, they dig shallow wells by the river to get their water, but at the end of the dry season hard to find.
Re the big Pozo (well), there is still a problem with the concession of this well, the concession holder has gone to the States & needs to sign over paperwork to someone else to be able to connect & use the pozo. There were pipes laid years ago, but it has not been resolved since then & therefore these pipes are now in a state of dis-repair. The community paid for these pipes, by individual family contribution.
They have been working approx. 7 years on this, & by their admission worked a bit backwards, ie they put in the piping first & still have not had it connected so they need to spend more money on repairs & need to work out how & who to charge for this… it is 3 yrs since they put in the pipes.
Position for pilot cistern
Apparently they already have a cistern at the kinder so decided to build the pilot a the health clinic instead.
Pilot start date 9/5.
Laura to have materials paid & delivered by 6/5 in readiness for 9/5.
Next meeting (Sapasma also invited) 4/5/11 at 4pm at the Salon de Lectura
Meeting adjourned & we were taken to the Community kitchen, & offered tostadas with lettuce & soya “meat”, tomato, avocado & cilantro…
While we were there we noticed they had a number of treadle sewing machines, apparently it was part of a govt. program, but the training was too condensed & no-one remembers, Laura undertook to see if she could find some “sewing experts” to give lessons.
2nd Meeting Villa de Guadalupe
Where: Church courtyard
When: Wed 13.4.11 11am - 1.25pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly (Cedesa), Laura, Enrique (Rotary), 9 promoters from Sapasma, Community of Villa de G. 43 adults (incl 9 men) + 3 kids.
Purpose: 1st planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Cienega Juana Ruiz) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 27 family cisterns in Villa de Guadalupe + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
Before everyone assembled we had a brief discussion re the history of VdG, it started only in 1983, with people from La Palmita II receiving ejido land here. Because of lack of water it was very difficult & of the 40-50 people who settled originally only 7 families stayed, & others move away (some to SMA, 1 of these came back later).
Chela began – 1st we need to ask permission to take photos & video to record the process. We have explained previously the reason we take photos is for us to be able to explain the need & ideally source more funds for more projects in the communities in need. The community all agreed.
Next the roll was called, at the early part of the meeting 11 off the list of previous attendees were missing. Many arrived late.
Introductions around the circle:
Chela gave a little history of our collaboration, Enrique added that Sapasma were here to learn the process alongside all of us.
Chela explained the roll of all parties, Sapasma will provide funding, Rotary will co-ordinate (& administer funds – as it was discovered 1 wk later), Cedesa will provide training & co-ordination skills, & the community will participate, learn the process, & do the work to construct the cisterns… All this hopefully before the rains come!
Chela described a little about the region/Consejo – how the work has developed & how the communities are now collaborating.
The “region” of 18 communities is divided into micro regions…
Micro region 1 – Cinco Senores, Juan Gonzalez, San Lorenzo, Corralejo de Abajo, Palmita II, Cienega, La Tinaja & Villa de Guadalupe.
Micro region 2 – Capaderillo (40 cisterns) , La Aurora, Guerrero, Vivienda Urbana, Presita de Santa Rosa.
Micro region 3 – Tierra Blanca (42) , Los Torres (52), Cruz del Palmar (27), Vivienda de Arriba (17), Montecillo de Nieto (30),
& Palencia, nth of Dolores Hidalgo (21)
The region have prioritized the communities regarding order to receive cisterns, & Sapasma is responding by providing funding for 2 communities.
Objective To provide safe drinking water for generations to come, ie without fluoride or arsenic , because fluoride causes many problems, not just in the teeth, but all the major organs of the body.
We started these projects in Los Torres, we know they have high levels of fluoride, UNAM have done a study beginning in 1998 which discovered the fluoride contamination issue in this region, & have been working to communicate the drastic effects of fluoride.
The fluoride issue is part of a wider study undertaken on the area to understand the water situation in this region. They now know that the aquifer in this region services not just SMA but 6 other municipalities. The water we are drinking today is 1000’s of years old & is not recharging, but rather the aquifer is reducing at an average rate of 1mtr per year.
A diplomado was held at Cedesa in 2008/09 during which the information about the aquifer & water in general was shared with up to 80 communities with up to 120 attendees every 2nd Saturday for 10 mths. They looked at options for preventing contamination/providing safe water, they did many tests & discovered only really 2 options, 1. To distill the water using solar distillation, 2. To catch the rainwater. Cisterns are the least expensive, least maintenance & most productive option.
For this reason – we are here – now let’s begin planning this project!!
Chela asked who will co-ordinate & take records for this meeting? She explained this is part of the process of every meeting, ie to appoint someone to keep order & someone to record decisions, actions & attendance.
With a different co-ordinator each meeting, more people learn the process.
There were then votes for 2 proposed people, Poli & Martin.
Martin was selected.
Margarita was voted to take notes.
We also pass the list (take the roll) at all meetings, this is to see who has attended most consistently, it was with this information that the micro regions were able to determine the priority communities, so again today, we will take the roll… (for the 2nd time since many turned up late).
There are 23 here so we are missing 4 from the proposed recipients list.
Saul pointed out that it is important for everyone to know what they are getting themselves into with this project, it is not easy & now is the time to make the firm commitment.
Chela explained re the work groups they need to form, that it is important for these to be formed with good feeling & harmony, for them to work effectively & without issue. She asked “what happens if you are not in harmony or good relations?” they answered – we will not work well.
Points for today’s agenda were called for:
• Subterranean cisterns
• Work groups
• Date of pilot
• Place of pilot
• Pozo/Corralejo water sharing discussion
Subterranean Cisterns
Martin asked why we do not make cisterns below ground/subterranean?
There was much discussion about this, & the reasons were explained –
• the ground is very hard therefore difficult to excavate,
• the method of construction would have to be different in each case,
• so not easy to teach,
• the cistern would need a pump or buckets to be lowered to collect the water – the pump is expensive & the buckets introduce bacteria/dirt & require a lot of energy,
• with the above ground model we don’t require engineering expertise in each case,
• kids can fall into below ground cisterns
Work groups
After much discussion the following work groups were established. It was explained ideal to have min 2 abaniles in each group. C = co-ordinator, A = Abanile
Chela asked people to raise their hands if they were abaniles, 4 raised their hands so 1 was appointed to each group. Chela explained that if there are not enough abaniles the group can contribute to pay someone to assist them.
Other forms of assistance are to provide food & drink.
Saul mentioned the abaniles could work on the weekends with the women doing the rest of the work.
Absences were discussed, Chela asked if they are not attending today are they interested or not?
The crowd responded “not”.
One young woman was not able to make it but instead provided a very large container of drink & cups for everyone, she is definitely interested but could not attend, her mother in law was here & reported this. She has attended all previous meetings.
A new person was proposed, she was very active in previous meetings too, this person was proposed & accepted. Martin volunteered to give up his spot on the list since he has only recently moved here & does not have much space, this was good as we had more people wanting cisterns than we had $$ for & it made the numbers balance…There will be some people deferring to stage II (by choice).
Co-ordinators for each group were appointed, with their roles explained, & also a co-ordinator for the whole community Margarita/Adriana Ramirez Gonzalez was chosen since she was willing & had a phone…ph 415 119 4246
There was a call for doubts & questions but there were none.
Date & Place of Pilot
All voted for the kinder – 16 children attend the kinder.
Pilot to start on 2/5 (since JG/SL & 5S pilot is starting on the 25/4)
The established start time was 9am, with finish time depending on how fast they work.
Laura to order materials to arrive for the pilot on 29/4 in time for the pilot. Family materials to be ordered to arrive approx. 9/5/11.
Food is bought to the site, those not working can bring food to those who are…
There was more discussion about the forms of work, how they will work together, the timing of deliveries of materials so all can advance at the same rate, it’s easy for a change of mind to happen, ie when someone is finished theirs to drop out of the group, & we want to avoid that happening…
Working together is difficult & hard work bua as soon as you drink the 1st glass of water when the rains arrive you will see how worth it it all has been!
One young woman asked when the 2nd stage will begin as her house is not constructed yet, she (Eulelia) was appointed the task of keeping the list of the 2nd stage participants.
Discussion re the tools needed: ladders, wheelbarrows, shovels, sieves, grinder to make the hooks etc.
Planning meeting ended at 1.25pm
We adjourned for the usual delicious lunch – freshly made tortillas, red rice, beans, garbanzos, greens.
Pozo/Well discussion
Next was a meeting about the lack of water in VdG, ie the possibility of sharing the Corralejo Pozo, or having their own. This community has been without water forever. They have made several contributions to pozos, but all they have to show for it is piping & a large reservoir that has never had water in it. There has been ongoing (12 yrs) conflict with neighbouring community Corralejo, who did successfully achieve a pozo, & were initially supposed to have shared with VdG, but for errors on both sides this has not happened.
Martin led the discussion on this, he had a lot of official paperwork & was representing an organization (I didn’t catch the name) that works on legal issues…There were only 29 heads of households there so not an official assembly, ie not a majority, it was therefore suggested that the information be collated - including payments made to date, secret well, possibility of legalization of this, the representatives agreed to make a presentation to the Presidencia at the next Consejo meeting.
Next meeting date is date of 1st day of Pilot 2/5/11 at 9am at Kinder
When: Wed 13.4.11 11am - 1.25pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly (Cedesa), Laura, Enrique (Rotary), 9 promoters from Sapasma, Community of Villa de G. 43 adults (incl 9 men) + 3 kids.
Purpose: 1st planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Cienega Juana Ruiz) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 27 family cisterns in Villa de Guadalupe + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
Before everyone assembled we had a brief discussion re the history of VdG, it started only in 1983, with people from La Palmita II receiving ejido land here. Because of lack of water it was very difficult & of the 40-50 people who settled originally only 7 families stayed, & others move away (some to SMA, 1 of these came back later).
Chela began – 1st we need to ask permission to take photos & video to record the process. We have explained previously the reason we take photos is for us to be able to explain the need & ideally source more funds for more projects in the communities in need. The community all agreed.
Next the roll was called, at the early part of the meeting 11 off the list of previous attendees were missing. Many arrived late.
Introductions around the circle:
Chela gave a little history of our collaboration, Enrique added that Sapasma were here to learn the process alongside all of us.
Chela explained the roll of all parties, Sapasma will provide funding, Rotary will co-ordinate (& administer funds – as it was discovered 1 wk later), Cedesa will provide training & co-ordination skills, & the community will participate, learn the process, & do the work to construct the cisterns… All this hopefully before the rains come!
Chela described a little about the region/Consejo – how the work has developed & how the communities are now collaborating.
The “region” of 18 communities is divided into micro regions…
Micro region 1 – Cinco Senores, Juan Gonzalez, San Lorenzo, Corralejo de Abajo, Palmita II, Cienega, La Tinaja & Villa de Guadalupe.
Micro region 2 – Capaderillo (40 cisterns) , La Aurora, Guerrero, Vivienda Urbana, Presita de Santa Rosa.
Micro region 3 – Tierra Blanca (42) , Los Torres (52), Cruz del Palmar (27), Vivienda de Arriba (17), Montecillo de Nieto (30),
& Palencia, nth of Dolores Hidalgo (21)
The region have prioritized the communities regarding order to receive cisterns, & Sapasma is responding by providing funding for 2 communities.
Objective To provide safe drinking water for generations to come, ie without fluoride or arsenic , because fluoride causes many problems, not just in the teeth, but all the major organs of the body.
We started these projects in Los Torres, we know they have high levels of fluoride, UNAM have done a study beginning in 1998 which discovered the fluoride contamination issue in this region, & have been working to communicate the drastic effects of fluoride.
The fluoride issue is part of a wider study undertaken on the area to understand the water situation in this region. They now know that the aquifer in this region services not just SMA but 6 other municipalities. The water we are drinking today is 1000’s of years old & is not recharging, but rather the aquifer is reducing at an average rate of 1mtr per year.
A diplomado was held at Cedesa in 2008/09 during which the information about the aquifer & water in general was shared with up to 80 communities with up to 120 attendees every 2nd Saturday for 10 mths. They looked at options for preventing contamination/providing safe water, they did many tests & discovered only really 2 options, 1. To distill the water using solar distillation, 2. To catch the rainwater. Cisterns are the least expensive, least maintenance & most productive option.
For this reason – we are here – now let’s begin planning this project!!
Chela asked who will co-ordinate & take records for this meeting? She explained this is part of the process of every meeting, ie to appoint someone to keep order & someone to record decisions, actions & attendance.
With a different co-ordinator each meeting, more people learn the process.
There were then votes for 2 proposed people, Poli & Martin.
Martin was selected.
Margarita was voted to take notes.
We also pass the list (take the roll) at all meetings, this is to see who has attended most consistently, it was with this information that the micro regions were able to determine the priority communities, so again today, we will take the roll… (for the 2nd time since many turned up late).
There are 23 here so we are missing 4 from the proposed recipients list.
Saul pointed out that it is important for everyone to know what they are getting themselves into with this project, it is not easy & now is the time to make the firm commitment.
Chela explained re the work groups they need to form, that it is important for these to be formed with good feeling & harmony, for them to work effectively & without issue. She asked “what happens if you are not in harmony or good relations?” they answered – we will not work well.
Points for today’s agenda were called for:
• Subterranean cisterns
• Work groups
• Date of pilot
• Place of pilot
• Pozo/Corralejo water sharing discussion
Subterranean Cisterns
Martin asked why we do not make cisterns below ground/subterranean?
There was much discussion about this, & the reasons were explained –
• the ground is very hard therefore difficult to excavate,
• the method of construction would have to be different in each case,
• so not easy to teach,
• the cistern would need a pump or buckets to be lowered to collect the water – the pump is expensive & the buckets introduce bacteria/dirt & require a lot of energy,
• with the above ground model we don’t require engineering expertise in each case,
• kids can fall into below ground cisterns
Work groups
After much discussion the following work groups were established. It was explained ideal to have min 2 abaniles in each group. C = co-ordinator, A = Abanile
Chela asked people to raise their hands if they were abaniles, 4 raised their hands so 1 was appointed to each group. Chela explained that if there are not enough abaniles the group can contribute to pay someone to assist them.
Other forms of assistance are to provide food & drink.
Saul mentioned the abaniles could work on the weekends with the women doing the rest of the work.
Absences were discussed, Chela asked if they are not attending today are they interested or not?
The crowd responded “not”.
One young woman was not able to make it but instead provided a very large container of drink & cups for everyone, she is definitely interested but could not attend, her mother in law was here & reported this. She has attended all previous meetings.
A new person was proposed, she was very active in previous meetings too, this person was proposed & accepted. Martin volunteered to give up his spot on the list since he has only recently moved here & does not have much space, this was good as we had more people wanting cisterns than we had $$ for & it made the numbers balance…There will be some people deferring to stage II (by choice).
Co-ordinators for each group were appointed, with their roles explained, & also a co-ordinator for the whole community Margarita/Adriana Ramirez Gonzalez was chosen since she was willing & had a phone…ph 415 119 4246
There was a call for doubts & questions but there were none.
Date & Place of Pilot
All voted for the kinder – 16 children attend the kinder.
Pilot to start on 2/5 (since JG/SL & 5S pilot is starting on the 25/4)
The established start time was 9am, with finish time depending on how fast they work.
Laura to order materials to arrive for the pilot on 29/4 in time for the pilot. Family materials to be ordered to arrive approx. 9/5/11.
Food is bought to the site, those not working can bring food to those who are…
There was more discussion about the forms of work, how they will work together, the timing of deliveries of materials so all can advance at the same rate, it’s easy for a change of mind to happen, ie when someone is finished theirs to drop out of the group, & we want to avoid that happening…
Working together is difficult & hard work bua as soon as you drink the 1st glass of water when the rains arrive you will see how worth it it all has been!
One young woman asked when the 2nd stage will begin as her house is not constructed yet, she (Eulelia) was appointed the task of keeping the list of the 2nd stage participants.
Discussion re the tools needed: ladders, wheelbarrows, shovels, sieves, grinder to make the hooks etc.
Planning meeting ended at 1.25pm
We adjourned for the usual delicious lunch – freshly made tortillas, red rice, beans, garbanzos, greens.
Pozo/Well discussion
Next was a meeting about the lack of water in VdG, ie the possibility of sharing the Corralejo Pozo, or having their own. This community has been without water forever. They have made several contributions to pozos, but all they have to show for it is piping & a large reservoir that has never had water in it. There has been ongoing (12 yrs) conflict with neighbouring community Corralejo, who did successfully achieve a pozo, & were initially supposed to have shared with VdG, but for errors on both sides this has not happened.
Martin led the discussion on this, he had a lot of official paperwork & was representing an organization (I didn’t catch the name) that works on legal issues…There were only 29 heads of households there so not an official assembly, ie not a majority, it was therefore suggested that the information be collated - including payments made to date, secret well, possibility of legalization of this, the representatives agreed to make a presentation to the Presidencia at the next Consejo meeting.
Next meeting date is date of 1st day of Pilot 2/5/11 at 9am at Kinder
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