In order for Mano a Mano to be able to partner with Bolivian communities on economic development projects like water reservoirs, deep wells, and roads, we need to be able to provide the skilled labor and heavy equipment that is required for the work; that is one of the primary responsibilities and commitments of Mano a Mano as part of the partnership. Keeping our heavy equipment in good shape is a never-ending process, and is made more difficult since almost all of our development projects are in extremely isolated areas of Bolivia where breakdowns (which inevitably happen!) mean protracted downtime as staff have to travel hours or days one-way to be able to source repair parts in the city. Maintenance and repairs at our Cochabamba warehouse are key.
A Few Equipment Maintenance Projects in April 2022

Why Our Heavy Equipment is Important for Community Development Projects in Rural Bolivia
Repairing & Maintaining Mano a Mano’s Heavy Equipment
- Heavy equipment arriving back at our Cochabamba warehouse.
- Repairing an excavator bucket section.
- Heavy machine mechanic students like Walter Rios learn welding, hydraulics, motor repair, tire repair, sheet metal work and painting. They graduate in six months with a certificate in heavy machine mechanics.
- Transporting heavy equipment from Cochabamba to Toro Toro to start construction on the airstrip.
Learn More About Our Economic Development Projects
- Overhauling An Engine (February 2022)
- Moving Another Step Forward in Mano a Mano’s Long-Term Sustainability
- Dedicating a New Water Well in Chirusi, Bolivia
- What Do We Do With the Shipping Containers We Send to Bolivia from Minnesota?
- A Look Back At What We Did Together in 2021 – Mano a Mano 2021 Annual Report
- Transporting Heavy Equipment in Bolivia Takes Hard Work (and Many Repairs)
- Mano a Mano Technical Training Programs for Construction and Aviation
