Within the first couple of hours of arriving to Quincucirca, we were given a tour of the path of the pipeline. Just to get to the source was a trek in itself. Most of the path had been cleared by community members with machetes, but the land was so steep and slippery that walking around was quite a challenge. To get to the source took a few hours. To walk the entire path of the pipeline (only 3.3 kilometers) took an entire day. After spending hours looking at maps and designs, finally walking this terrain was a huge awakening! Everything I had been studying came to life, and this was really satisfying.
As of February, 2012, EWB-UC Davis had the vague goal of establishing drinking water for the community of Quincucirca. However, none of us knew how unrealistic this goal was or the setbacks we would encounter enroute to implementation. While the goal of getting water to the community by the end of this summer may not have been realized, I do believe we have set in place a solid foundation so that the community will have water in the near future.
As outlined in my PATA grant application, I also had hoped to gather information or ideas for future EWB projects. I believe the next project in the community will be the distribution system from the tank to the families within the community. The tank is at the highest point of the community in an isolated area, and, without a distribution system, its use would be very limited. In addition, a distribution system would allow for the use of irrigation, which the community has expressed as a high priority. I believe this project will be less problematic, because, as one community member put it “the pipeline we are building may move, but our houses will not move.” However, this distribution system will only be of use if the pipeline from the source to the tank is completed. Therefore, it is important that EWB-UC Davis and myself remain up to date with the status of construction and attempt to assist the community from abroad with recommendations when possible.
In addition to this idea, I also came across a possible future project when talking with community member Stefan Anders. Everyday, the EWB-UC Davis team would walk from our hostel in Sorata, down a valley, across a small bridge, and up a hillside to Quincucirca. When crossing this bridge, a small creek passes about ten feet below us. However, apparently, during the rainy season the “creek” actually rises up to the height of bridge. This “bridge” is merely a few trees with dirt on top and has no guardrails. Apparently, every year a few youth are swept off the bridge with some deaths due to trauma in the strength of the river. I believe a new bridge between the communities of Sorata and Quincucirca would not only immensely benefit both communities, but would also be a fun and possible project for UC Davis students.
From Kevin Dumler, UC Davis undergraduate in civil engineering
 |
| Photo courtesy Kevin Dumler Walking the pipeline |
As outlined in my PATA grant application, I also had hoped to gather information or ideas for future EWB projects. I believe the next project in the community will be the distribution system from the tank to the families within the community. The tank is at the highest point of the community in an isolated area, and, without a distribution system, its use would be very limited. In addition, a distribution system would allow for the use of irrigation, which the community has expressed as a high priority. I believe this project will be less problematic, because, as one community member put it “the pipeline we are building may move, but our houses will not move.” However, this distribution system will only be of use if the pipeline from the source to the tank is completed. Therefore, it is important that EWB-UC Davis and myself remain up to date with the status of construction and attempt to assist the community from abroad with recommendations when possible.
 |
| Photo courtesy Kevin Dumler with Stefan Anders |
From Kevin Dumler, UC Davis undergraduate in civil engineering
Comments
Post a Comment