Residents of Chirusi Rosario gathered last week on February 16th, 2024 to give thanks and to dance in celebration as they dedicated the final phase of their deep well project in partnership with Mano a Mano.
Community leader Jesus Ovando (on the right) presented a plaque to Mano a Mano in appreciation for the completion of this four-phase project, one which makes clean water available throughout this community of about 1,300 people.
Phase One: Drilling a Well in 2021
This four-phase project began in 2021: drilling the well from which water is now pumped to the rural village of Chirusi Rosario. Since then, this well has yielded clean water for drinking and cooking, for watering family gardens, and for each family’s few domestic animals.
Phase Two: Constructing a Water Tower in 2022
A six-story 9,250-gallon capacity water tower was built to store water with enough pressure to reach the village homes of Chirusi Rosario farmers. It was completed in late 2022.
Phase Three: Laying a Water Pipe Distribution Network for the Community
Once the tower and tank were in place, Mano a Mano staff, assisted by community volunteers, completed the arduous task of laying a network of 3” pipe from the tower to the village (over 1½ miles), plus nearly 2 miles of 1½” pipe within the village itself.
Phase Four: Piping Water to Households
Now, this piping system carries water throughout the village for connection to each of Chirusi Rosario’s 212 households. “Having water piped to our homes is a miracle. We didn’t know anyone who has such a luxury,” they told us. “A few years ago we were buying water from a truck because we didn’t have a well. Now we have water every day, just like the city.”
Residents took turns sampling water, first offering a sip to Mother Earth, and then to taste for themselves.
As the celebration ended, Don Jacinto surprised his wife and neighbors when he laid down, fully clothed, in the basin filled with water. He said “thanks to Mano a Mano we have water to drink…and bathe.”
Learn More
- Building a Septic System for the Chirusi Rosario School (February 2024)
- Dedicating Mano a Mano’s New School in Chirusi Rosario, Bolivia on March 25th (2022)
- Dedicating a 6-Story Water Tank in Chirusi Rosario on October 26th
- Completing a Road From Toco to Chirusi
- Dedicating a New Water Well in Chirusi, Bolivia
- Dedicating a New School in Kaspicancha Alta (2023)