El Balsamar Pila Project - El Salvador

Community Description
El Balsamar is a small community with about 600 people. It is made up of a cooperative of villagers who work balsamo (a type of resin they extract from the balsamo tree and process and sell) and coffee.

Most of the community members own land where the majority plant corn, beans, sorghum, and rice. It is a very poor community, with most of the income coming from what little the community members make selling crops, and what the cooperative gives them for balsamo and coffee.

There is also a conservation area within the community that attracts school and biological groups with its wide range of flora and fauna species and its 125 foot waterfall.

There are many active community groups from an ADESCO (community development association) to a water committee. Each group is always active and eager to bring in new projects and development to the community.

There is an abundance of water in the community with its natural springs. However, many people having to walk great distances to do laundry, wash dishes, and bathe.

What the people lack is an appropriate place to store water in their households. Having a “pila” (raised concrete tank used for storing water) would reduce the number of trips that household members have to make to their water source.

Project Description
A concrete pila will be built and installed in each of 12 households.

Project funds will be used to buy the materials.

The community will contribute the work to build the pilas and transport the materials.

Project Impact
This project will affect 70 people living in the 12 households that will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Evan Anderson

Comments
The project provides a household water storage unit that can also be used for washing dishes and laundry. This will create a tremendous saving of time and effort, leaving the villagers time to work or engage in community activities.

The project largely benefits women and children who are the ones usually burdened by retrieving water and doing household chores.

The simplicity, robustness, and longevity of the pilas make this project a good use of capital. The large community contribution of labor demonstrates the commitment of the beneficiaries.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$500.00