Wirkini Water Project Update – June 2015
Mano a Mano’s water reservoir project in Wirkini, Bolivia continues to progress – it is now about 50% complete.
Challenges
Like every water project we build, there are many difficulties to getting this project complete. Wirkini is 12,700 feet above sea level, and the elements are a constant challenge for Mano a Mano staff and equipment alike. Many of the materials (earth that is the right mix for construction) are having to be hauled in from a site 5 miles away, which adds to the workload.
Project Impact
Once complete, the reservoir will provide irrigation water to at least 341 Bolivian farm families in the area and irrigate 269 hectares of land (average family size is 6, for a total number of beneficiaries of 2,046). Water is typically only available in the Bolivian Highlands for the 2-3 month rainy season, and the rest of the year is a struggle for farmers to have water access for their crops and livestock. These water reservoir projects retain water and provide water access year-round, which allows for farmers to grow more and better crops, which in turn increases family nutrition and household incomes. Check out some of Mano a Mano’s other water projects here.