LOS BALCONES SECTOR #4, NICARAGUA

FUNDED JULY 19, 2023

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Los Balcones Sector #4 is a small rural community located in the Chinandega, Somotillo province of Nicaragua. 202 people live there currently, but the proposed borehole well and hand pump will be able to service 1,000 people daily, so village growth will be encouraged.  Besides receiving access to clean, fresh water near their homes, villagers will be taught good hygiene practices, all of which will help to improve and maintain the people’s health. 

There is currently no clean water available to Los Balcones.  The existing hand-dug wells run dry – especially in the summer months. Therefore, the members of the community often have to drink water from the stream which is contaminated by pesticide run-off. There are many waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, parasitosis, and gastroenteritis among the population. Since most residents do not have sufficient income to purchase water, they must make do with the dirty contaminated water, jeopardizing their health and livelihoods.

Roberto Clemente is a beloved figure all across South America, known as much for his charitable works as for his many baseball achievements.  Born in Puerto Rico, Clemente died in a plane crash while en route to deliver aid to victims of the 1972 Nicaragua earthquake.  This well will be dedicated in memory of Roberto Clemente by the Clemente Museum who helped make this well possible.

Central American countries can have issues with pesticides in their surface water due to no laws against using them in their fields. They spray and when it rains these chemicals flow into the open water sources. These can cause health issues. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and increased secretions, such as sweating, salivation, tearing, and respiratory secretions. Progressive symptoms include muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, incoordination, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, [which] can be confused with waterborne illnesses, as many of the symptoms are the same.

Living Water tests for pesticides in the wells they drill. They test the water prior to putting the pump into place. We have run across a few wells over the years we were unable to complete but it is rare. We would find another location in the community to drill if this were to happen. 98% of the time, we are able to drill deep enough to arrive at a clean aquifer. But pesticides can be an issue in larger farming communities.

LIVING WATERS INTERNATIONAL’S PROGRAM

Our implementation through WASH Program Areas is unique, in that it aims to bring lasting physical and spiritual development in communities, through a multi-year program focused on specific regions, thoughtfully integrating and contextualizing principles of water access, sanitation, hygiene, church mobilization, gospel proclamation, and sustainability. Living Water has strong financial
reporting [that] the Houston office oversees for accountability.

SPECIFIC COSTS AND FUNDING INFORMATION

Total Project Cost: $5,000

Funding Requested from Ingomar Living Waters: $3,500
The remaining funds will come from where-most-needed gifts, and grants towards gospel proclamation will be applied to complete this work for the community.

Costs Breakdown:

• Well Materials:  hand pump, cement, drilling fluid, piping, gravel, sand, and fuel
• Labor: Labor for putting the well into place. Our staff are paid appropriate salary rates, which include the country’s requirement of a 13th month salary, and health INS benefits.
• Administrative Costs: will be paid for by other donations.
• Other Costs: The remaining other costs will cover the health and sanitation education/training, ongoing sustainability efforts, evangelistic and discipleship program, administration, and oversight.

Timeline: Funds were needed by June 30 for the project to start by July 15 and finish by the end of summer.  Note that since ILW funding was delayed, project completion will probably run into early fall.

Person interviewed

WELL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

We will provide training and backstopping support during the first 6 years, until the local water committee and community have gathered enough fees to build a reserve for funding future maintenance.  Water users will pay small monthly water user fees by household and these funds will be collected and managed by the water user committee, for future repairs and maintenance of the system.  The well caregiver will be assigned and equipped to do the ongoing general care of the project at the clinic.

DISCIPLESHIP

Living Water employs a pastor within each country’s staff. Their purpose is to engage with the local churches/pastors/church members, speaking into unity, spiritual growth and how to be health advocates within their communities. Bible storying training is coordinated within the WPA at several locations and outreach evangelism events, such as the Jesus film, family activities with spiritual influence, or rallies, to name a few. Bibles are given out to new believers or believers who do not have access to a bible in their own language. Other pastoral trainings or pastoral fellowship activities unite Christians throughout the WPA in sharing the gospel and uplifting believers.

FUTURE IMPACT

Once safe water is flowing in the Los Balcones community, residents will be able to focus on education and income-generating activities, to provide for their families and for future generations. Within the community, you will begin to see gardens being planted, happy
children playing and attending school, and small stands where women own small businesses from the excess food from their gardens. They will have the time and energy to pursue their interests and all residents will have the opportunity to flourish physically and spiritually.