March PSU: Advancing Clean Water Amidst Challenges
Empowering Communities with Sustainable Water Solutions
In the heart of rural Piura, Peru, two communities face severe water scarcity challenges that threaten their daily lives and health. Vera Aqua Vera Vita (VAVV) is at the forefront of addressing these challenges in Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones. This press release outlines the recent progress and upcoming plans for these vital projects.
Breaking Barriers to Water Access in Las Mercedes KM11
Navigating Challenges and Legal Hurdles
In Las Mercedes KM11, a desert community of 1,025+ residents, the journey toward securing a reliable water source has seen both advancements and setbacks. The VAVV engineering team has diligently held weekly meetings, focusing on the management aspects of engineering and construction stages crucial for the project's success.
A significant hurdle was encountered on March 14 when the Autoridad Local del Agua (ALA) denied our water rights application, a decision that seemed to lack a legal basis upon review by VAVV's Peruvian lawyer, Ricardo Arbulu Guerra. This denial has prompted our organization to take legal actions, including filing an appeal with the National Court for the Resolution of Water Disputes and requesting an Oral Hearing, in hopes of reversing this decision. Please join our organization to pray that understanding and compassion can turn the hearts of these individuals for the benefit of over 1,000 residents living without clean water in Las Mercedes KM11. As St Micheal is the Patron Saint of Peru, please join us in praying for St. Micheal’s Intercession to protect our appeal and receive the rights we need to bring a sustainable clean water solution to the people of Las Mercedes KM11.
Strategic Planning and Future Milestones
The team remains undeterred, with plans to secure official water rights approval and complete necessary documentation for public road easements and highway crossing permits. Additionally, cost estimations for the project are underway, with a final agreement with the GRP expected to finalize a majority of the project's financial planning.
Enhancing Water Security in Cerro de Leones
Advancing Project Development Through Strategic Partnerships
Cerro de Leones presents a unique challenge, with 500 residents navigating steep terrain to access highly contaminated water. Initiatives to secure right of easements with local owners have begun, marking a significant step forward. Additionally, collaboration with Rotary Sunrise has yielded a guideline for International Rotary Grant development, which we hope will help us secure essential project funding.
Furthermore, VAVV has commenced Hydrological and Hydraulic assessment of Rio San Francisco which will be the source water for the community’s clean water system. This critical analysis is necessary for the Annex 7 report, a prerequisite for the TUPA 13 application to the Water Authority to request Water Rights, underlining our commitment to navigating regulatory landscapes to achieve its goals.
Commitment to Sustainable Water Solutions
The endeavors in Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones exemplify our team’s resilience and dedication to overcoming challenges in providing sustainable water solutions. Each milestone, even from legal appeals to strategic partnerships and detailed assessments, represents significant progress towards securing clean water for these communities.
VAVV extends its deepest gratitude to supporters, stakeholders, and the communities we’re working to bring clean water for their continuous support. Together, we move closer to turning the tide against water scarcity in rural Piura, Peru, ensuring healthier, sustainable futures for all.
