December Project Status Update: Preparing for Construction in Las Mercedes KM11
As we close out the year, Vera Aqua Vera Vita is excited to report on the progress made in December for our clean water project in Las Mercedes KM11. This month brought significant advancements as we continued to refine project plans, solidify costs, and prepare for the construction phase of this life-changing initiative.
Ongoing Collaboration and Community Engagement
Engineering and Community Meetings
Throughout December, our Engineering team held weekly meetings to ensure steady progress in managing and advancing the technical aspects of the clean water project. Additionally, we maintained twice-weekly meetings with the leaders of Las Mercedes KM11 every Monday and Thursday. These sessions were vital for discussing updates, gathering community input, and ensuring alignment on the next steps in the project.
Strengthening Partnerships and Agreements
We continued collaborating with Piura Reginal Government (GRP) to finalize a written agreement that outlines a detailed capital funding plan for the project’s construction. This partnership is crucial to securing the resources needed to bring the clean water solution to life. Additionally, ongoing coordination with local engineers and the elecrical electricity supply company, ENOSA, progressed this month, helping to finalize plans for the project’s power supply.
Key Milestones Achieved
Cost Assessments and Contractor Bids
On December 13th, we met with two GRP engineers to identify potential cost reductions and obtain detailed project estimates equivalent to public bids. These quotes are essential for clarifying the project’s full cost and evaluating budgetary needs.
By December 16th, we had acquired two more contractor construction bid proposals for a total of four. Collectively these quotes will allow us to evaluate in-country contractor options to select the best team for the job.
Material Donations and Updated Cost Estimates
On December 20th, quotes for the reservoir and distribution facility (kiosk) were updated to reflect new material donations. These donations are a significant step in reducing costs and ensuring the project’s financial sustainability.
Tanker Truck Cost Estimates Finalized
On December 26th, we finalized leasing and purchase cost estimations for the tanker truck that will play a central role in delivering clean water to the heart of Las Mercedes KM11. This achievement brings us closer to completing the financial planning phase of the project.
Looking Ahead: January Goals
As we move into January, we are focused on several critical objectives to prepare for the construction phase:
Secure Signed Funding Plan Agreement: Finalize and sign the funding plan agreement with the GRP for project construction capital costs, God-willing, by the first week of January.
Expand Contractor Bids: Distribute the construction plan set to additional contractors to obtain more competitive bids by the end of the second week of January.
Pre-Construction Meeting: Hold a pre-construction meeting to finalize details and establish the project’s construction start date during the fourt week of January.
Closing the Year with Momentum
The progress made in December reflects Vera Aqua Vera Vita’s dedication to empowering underserved communities like Las Mercedes KM11 with sustainable clean water solutions that can transform lives. As we prepare for construction, we remain deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, stakeholders, and the community itself. Together, we are building a brighter future for over 1,200 residents who will soon have reliable access to clean water. Thank you for following along with our journey. Your support is instrumental as we take the next steps toward making this vision a reality.
