Building a Well: Step-by-Step in Photos

Water is a tremendous issue in Bolivia; in November 2016 the Bolivian government declared a national state of emergency due to the “worst drought in 25 years.” At least 172 of the country’s 339 municipalities (equivalent of U.S. counties) and more than 125,000 farming households have been affected, with damage to nearly 290,000 hectares of crops and loss of 360,000 cattle.

Because of the need, water projects are a high priority for Mano a Mano and the communities that we partner with. In addition to building large-scale water reservoirs, we also build surface wells and small water ponds in communities where the smaller projects are a better fit. Through eight major water projects and 275 water ponds, more than 50,000 people have consistent, reliable access to water.

Fields that are being irrigated with water from  Mano a Mano wells.

Fields that are being irrigated with water from Mano a Mano wells.

Here is a quick step-by-step of the construction of one well project: