 EWB-Central Houston completed two projects in Colonia Esmeralda, El Salvador.
COMMUNITY WELL
Because of the forced nature of their relocation during El Salvador's Civil War, the community's infrastructure was never properly developed, including their water source. Since residents could not afford a drilled well, they hand-dug one well for 70 families. This well is only 15 meters deep and was susceptible to contamination. Its output decreased after recent earthquakes and they were unable to dig deeper due to a large rock at the bottom. EWB-Central Houston worked with Rotarians and Pozos y Bombas to drill an 80-meter deep well in December of 2006..
EROSION CONTROL
Colonia Esmeralda is on top of a hill, and it experiences severe erosion during the rainy season that damaged the community's main road and wore away the foundation beneath their well pump. A taxi, car, and truck had all fallen downhill when driving on the road. Other roads and passageways between the upper and lower parts of town became dangerous for pedestrians. EWB Central Houston worked with Rotary and members of the community to construct a 32 meter long concrete masonry retaining wall varying from three to five meters in height. Construction finished in April of 2007.
SANITATION PIPELINE
The sanitation pipeline and/or biogas generators are not yet an official EWB project; however, you may find preliminary project information here.
Like all EWB projects, these projects are financed only by donations. To support this project, please go here and select the Donate button under "Houston Professionals".
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