September Project Update: Progress on Infrastructure Design & Water Rights
As we approach the end of September, Vera Aqua Vera Vita is pleased to share the latest developments from our clean water projects in the communities of Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones. Significant steps have been taken towards securing water rights and initiating crucial design and construction planning for both communities.
Las Mercedes KM11: Design and Accelerating Water Access
Commencing Design Plans
In Las Mercedes KM11, efforts to move forward with the community’s new water delivery system took a significant step this month. On September 2nd, coordination began for the structural design, including the preparation of calculations and CAD construction drawings. This marks the start of the technical phase, laying the foundation for the upcoming construction of a reservoir and distribution facility.
Advocacy for Water Access
In addition, on September 17th, empowered by Vera Aqua Vera Vita’s backing, the residents and leaders of Las Mercedes KM11, alongside the President of International Technical Cooperation at the Regional Government (GRP), visited the EPS Grau Headquarters. The purpose of the visit was to push forward the issuance of a signed agreement that will commit EPS Grau to providing clean water to the community at a sustainable and affordable rate. While we are still awaiting the signed document, this visit has applied necessary pressure to accelerate the process, and we expect to receive the binding agreement in short order.
Looking Ahead
In the months to come, we aim to complete several key components of Las Mercedes KM11’s project, including:
Finalizing Construction Plans: We will finalize the site plans for the trucked water delivery system, which includes a water kiosk and a ground storage tank (GST).
Operational Cost Estimation: Develop a detailed estimate of what it will cost to maintain operations of the clean water system. This estimate will in turn enable us to have a base cost from whence we will be able to determine the minium rate at which the water will need to be sold to ensure sustainable operations.
Capital Cost Estimation: Develop a detailed cost estimate for the construction of the reservoir and distribution facility will be a crucial step in moving forward with construction.
Formalizing Roles and Responsibilities: We aim to faciliate a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the GRP and Las Mercedes KM11 to clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations for operating the system.
Forming and Training Clean Water System Committee: A privatized, decentralized “Clean Water System Committee” will be formed, trainined, and empowered to operate, maintain, and oversee a sustainable future for the system.
Cerro de Leones: Water Rights Application Feedback and Design Preparations
Advancing Towards Water Rights Approval
After several months of ongoing pressure and dialogue, we made significant progress on the water rights application for Cerro de Leones. On September 25th, we received the TUPA 13 application back from the ALA San Lorenzo with a few questions and requests, which we promptly addressed and resubmitted for what we hope will be a final review. This step brings us closer to securing the much-needed water rights for the 600+ residents of Cerro de Leones.
Next Steps and Approval Process
In the coming months, we plan to begin the preliminary design for the water infrastructure and prepare the initial construction documents, including drawings, details, and plans. Additionally, we will work to secure the right of easements for the waterline infrastructure and pipeline alignment.
Continued Commitment and Gratitude
The progress made in Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones this month demonstrates Vera Aqua Vera Vita’s commitment to working alongside these communities to bring lasting, sustainable water solutions. As we continue to push forward, we remain grateful for the unwavering support from our partners, stakeholders, and the broader community. Your involvement is critical as we continue our mission to provide clean water access to those in need.
