July Project Update: New Direction and Mission Trip Impact
As we moved through July, Vera Aqua Vera Vita made significant progress and changes in the direction of our projects in Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones, Peru. Our Mission Team has been working on the ground in Peru and domestically here Stateside, collaborating with community leaders, and making impactful strides toward sustainable water solutions.
Las Mercedes KM11: Empowering Community-Led Solutions
Adapting to New Realities
Recently, despite VAVV's appeal with the support of community leaders, our scientifically and technologically backed water rights application was again denied by the appellate tribunal. In response, the residents of Las Mercedes KM11, though disappointed, have taken charge of devising their own clean water solution! Empowered and resourceful, the community has decided to purchase water from a nearby groundwater well at a very reasonable rate to supplement all their potable needs. This plan includes the acquisition of a water truck for transport and the construction of a safe reservoir and distribution facility in the community.
During our recent mission trip, we sat down with community leaders who advocated for this innovative solution. They meticulously laid out their plans, intentions, and logistics, ensuring the water prices would be affordable for every community member. Our missionary team had the honor of breaking ground on this new project, marking a pivotal moment for LMKM11!
July 19, 2024 - The missionary team stands with Las Mercedes KM11 community leaders over behind the completed footer foundation excavation, marking the first steps of their new clean water solution.
Collaboration and Construction Milestones
On July 17th, the Vera Aqua Vera Vita Team met with the president of International Technical Cooperation at the Piura Regional Government Headquarters. Discussions focused on potential solutions for Las Mercedes KM11, securing support for the community’s new water plan. Subsequently, meetings with community leaders led to a plan to request a contract for a fixed price on water from EPS Grau, a private water supplier in the nearby city of Piura, and then initiate the purchase of water trucks and the construction of a ground water storage tank and distribution Kiosk (Bulding) in the community.
The construction phase began in earnest with the construction of the foundation for the Water Distribution Kiosk on July 19th, led by our dedicated mission team engineers and aided by our full mission team. This building will serve as the distribution center for the community’s clean water. By July 24th, members of the community using their own sweat equity, had completed the kiosk’s rebar and concrete footer foundation pour. These fundamental steps are crucial for the development of a reliable water system and the quick turnaround demonstrates commitment to breaking through on a solution for the 1000+ people in Las Mercedes KM11.
July 19, 2024 - Missionaries break ground on Las Mercedes KM11 new clean water solution.
July 26, 2024 - Community members finished the foundation for Las Mercedes KM11’s Water Distribution Kiosk.
Cerro de Leones: Mission Impact and Community Engagement
Strengthening Community Ties
In Cerro de Leones, our missionaries made a significant impact by distributing over 550 care packages—one for each resident—which had essential hygiene and cleaning products tailored for people without access to clean water. Our Project and Programs Director, Ricardo Arbulu Guerra led our W.A.S.H. (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and Theology of the Body (TOB) workshops on July 17th and 18th. They focused on health and hygiene practices using accessible materials and strategies, ensuring practical and empowering knowledge sharing.
July 17, 2024 - Missionaries deliver 550+ W.A.S.H. care packages to residents of Cerro de Leones.
July 18, 2024 - Ricardo Guerra delivers VAVV’s WASH and TOB workshop in Cerro de Leones.
Collaborative Efforts
During our Missionaries’ visit to Cerro de Leones on July 17th and 18th, the President of International Technical Cooperation at the Piura Regional Government and the President of Rotary Piura Oeste club joined our team. The VAVV team and our collaborators engaged with community leaders to explain the projects and garner additional support. Some missionaries also helped facilitate our workshops, while others entertained children with fun activities and toys, allowing parents in the community to fully participate and partake in the WASH + TOB Education Workshop.
The distribution of care packages throughout our time in Cerro de Leones underscored our commitment to immediate and practical support, while our workshops provided essential education for long-term health and hygiene improvements.
Continued Commitment and Gratitude
The progress and new directions in Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones highlight Vera Aqua Vera Vita’s adaptability and dedication to empowering communities and overcoming challenges. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our partners, stakeholders, and the broader community. Your support is invaluable as we continue to work towards sustainable water solutions and improved quality of life for these resilient communities.
For more information and to support our projects, please visit our website!
