The Inauguration of a Community Water System in Rural Nicaragua

By Katherine Selchau, PCI Staff

At the elementary school in the community of Loma Alta (located in the northern department of Jinotega, Nicaragua) the community gathered to inaugurate a community water system (made possible by PCI), which is serving 45 families in this isolated community. The water system is a gravity fed system that brings water from a large tank located up the mountain to a water point at the home of each of the 45 families, and then to the school, so that the community will have access to safe, clean water over the next 20 years. The water source was generously donated by a local community member who owns the land in proximity to the source. With the contribution of construction materials and labor, latrines were constructed at each home in the community and families were given training in their proper use and maintenance.

At the ceremony, the Mayor of Pantasma (the local municipality) spoke about the critical problem of deforestation in the region, its negative effect on the protection of water resources, and the need for the community to be vigilant in preventing illegal wood gathering. He also urged the community to advocate for greater support in ensuring the protection of local natural resources in their community and others like theirs. Children read poems and gave dance and theater performances illustrating the importance of water and the protection of natural resources.

Linked to the construction of the water system is education about the proper use, maintenance and management of water, latrines and local resources, as well as improved hygiene and sanitation practices in the household to ensure associated health benefits reach every level of the community. Just inside the school entry a poster describes each instance of proper water use represented by small cartoons on the poster: “Wash your fruits and vegetables.” “Always boil water for drinking at least 5 minutes.” Wash your hands after touching animals, using the bathroom, and before cooking.” It was truly inspiring to witness a seed of change being planted that will affect so many different levels of society in this community for years to come.