Juan Gallego from the Rotary Club of Chelsea, Massachusetts brought us up to date on the Colombia water project. Phase One of the Global Grant for this project is complete with 5 wells drilled in this water scare region.
The project included purchase of a water drilling rig to develop wells for communities in need. Because these wells are relatively deep, hand pumps cannot be used. Pumps and filter systems are powered by solar panels and the local community is taught how to maintain the wells and make effective use of the water. To sustain these wells each family is charged a small amount which is held in reserve for the future repairs and maintenance.
Phase Two is to drill 4 more wells and will cost $US 160,000. $US 29,000 has been raise so far.