GUATEMALA
THE PROJECT
The Los Angeles Professional Chapter has partnered with the community of Xecotz, located in the Quiche region of Guatemala. Over 1,000 people are living in the community. Xecotz's existing water distribution system was built over 20 years ago. The community experienced seasonal water shortages from their existing system, especially during the dry season from December to May. The overall goal of this project is to partner with the community to provide safe and reliable drinking water through advocating sustainability, community involvement, and project ownership.
THE TIMELINE
The project team continues supporting Xecotz and partnering with the community to help meet their other needs. If you’d like to get involved with the project, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at ewb.la.org@gmail.com
2018
Assessment Trip – November 2018
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First trip where the project team visited the community
- Collected technical data and community surveys
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Data collected during the assessment was analyzed, and the team unanimously agreed to move forward with the project
2020
Implementation Trip – February 2020
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Constructed a new water system
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The new system included a spring box, conduction line, storage tanks, and a chlorination system to ensure safe drinking water for the community.
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Led W.A.S.H. educational workshops for community members.
Hurricane Eta – November 2020
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The storm damaged the new water system, leaving the community without water
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The project team worked with a local NGO to address immediate repairs and return water access to the community
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The water system still requires some long-term repairs and work
2022
Remote Implementation Trip – Summer 2022
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The project team completed a remote implementation by working with their local NGO, local contractors, and the community.
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The implementation work will include repairing damage caused by Hurricane Eta and adding capacity with the construction of another spring box.
2023
Monitoring & Evaluation – December 2023
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The project team traveled in December 2023 to gather evaluation data to track and measure the progress made in achieving partnership objectives and the overall program goals with the community.
