Oma, Ngobe Bugle, Panama

The residents of Oma used to walk deep down into a ravine to get their water from an unprotected spring. With the new aqueduct, the community has already significantly decreased water-related diseases. Families can spend less on medical expenses; people spend less time sick and more time working, playing, and going to school.

A naturally occurring spring in the community was protected, and the water was treated with an in-line chlorinator supplied by the Ministry of Health. An electric pump powers the water up to additional tanks where water can be accessed closer to homes, the clinic, and the school. To maintain the water system, the Water Committee was involved in every step of the project implementation. The committee members represent the whole community and will collect monthly utility fees from each household to pay a plumber to maintain the system and purchase any needed replacement parts.

Through the efforts of this project, including the municipal water system and WASH education, Solea Water sees a brighter future for the people of Oma. This future includes improved health, decreased infant mortality, decreased waterborne illnesses, increased time in the classroom for students, and an overall increase in the quality of life for the people of Oma.

 

Population: 1,000

Project Cost: $5,000

Project: Spring Fed Aqueduct

Local Partners: IC Jesus ministries, knox pro corps

 
 

phase 1

July 2015 - September 2015

  • Solea’s team visits the community to assess the needs

  • Engineers design a plan for construction and implementation

Phase 3

January 2015 - March 2015

  • Monitor for effective maintenance

  • Ensure the water committee is functioning properly

  • Conduct WASH education

  • Conduct water testing to ensure proper water quality is achieved

phase 2

October 2015 - December 2015

  • Construction & procurement of materials

  • Milestone 1: rehab completion

  • Progress Point: programs planned & project logistics finalized

Ongoing

  • Clean water is provided in Oma through a system that is used & maintained appropriately.

  • Evaluation of program implementation

  • Support of Oma is ongoing, and with your generous donations, Solea can continue to fund the maintenance of the water system.

GALLERY