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Project Context and Need
The Fracción Aromita community is located in a rural area of the city of Encarnación, Itapúa Department, Republic of Paraguay, where there is no public, safe, continuous, or permanent water distribution system available for residents. Currently, 56 families (approximately 224 people, with an average of 4 members per household) rely on collecting water from unauthorized sources provided by neighbors, as well as from shallow wells, where the water quality is not safe.
Since 2021, the Fracción Aromita community has repeatedly requested that public authorities-both the Municipality of Encarnación and the Itapúa Governor's Office-provide a safe and consistent water supply for their families.
This demand arises from the absence of a formal water supply system, a situation that forces residents to use informal and unsafe methods to meet their basic needs for drinking, hygiene, and sanitation. The community has submitted written requests, held meetings with municipal and departmental representatives, and has shown active commitment in seeking sustainable solutions to access this essential resource.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains unresolved, affecting the quality of life, health, and overall development of the population, which consists mainly of low-income informal workers and construction laborers. This issue has also been identified as a top priority by community leaders and local organizations.
In this context, this project, promoted by the Rotary Club Crisol del Paraná, seeks to provide a definitive, sustainable, and dignified solution to the community of Aromita's longstanding demand, ensuring their human right to access safe drinking water. It identifies the urgency of providing the community with sustainable access to potable water through the drilling of an artesian well and the installation of a complete storage and distribution system.
Proposed Solution
The project includes:
Drilling a deep artesian well of 150 meters with a submersible pump.
Installing a 30,000-liter elevated water tank with a metal cup-style structure and reinforced concrete base.
Installing a pipe distribution system with strategic community access points.
Providing community training on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), with an emphasis on responsible use and care of water resources.
Organization and Partnerships
This project is being led by the Rotary Club Crisol del Paraná (host club), Paraguay District 4845, in collaboration with an international sponsor club, the Rotary Club Metropolitano de Santiago, Chile District 4340. It has technical support from volunteers (club members including civil engineers and other collaborators) with experience in water and sanitation.
Project Timeline
Phase 1: Preparation (1 month)
Presentation of the project to the community. (Completed on April 5, 2025)
Registration of beneficiary families. (We have a signed registry from 56 heads of household.)
Organization and training of the Community Water Committee. (The neighborhood currently has a formally established committee including a pro-water commission.)
Phase 2: Technical Design (1.5 months)
Soil study and well location. (Based on nearby studies, a 150-meter well is planned to achieve a flow rate of 6,000 liters/hour, necessary for proper system function. As the community is located on a municipally approved land subdivision, there is a designated public area available for the well and reservoir, ensuring public ownership of the system.)
Structural design of the elevated tank. (A project design and cost estimate sheet are already available.)
Planning the distribution network. (Club members are currently working on a detailed neighborhood block map to define the network coverage.)
Submission to the Encarnación municipal works department for project approval in compliance with current ordinances and laws.
Phase 3: Construction and Implementation (3 months)
Well drilling and flow/quality testing.
Construction of the elevated tank and its base.
Extension of the electrical line, acquisition of an energy meter in the name of the neighborhood committee, and pump connection.
Installation of main pipelines.
Full system connection and testing.
Phase 4: Social Implementation (1 month)
Household visits to reinforce knowledge on WASH training.
Workshops for families on responsible water use.
Technical workshop on system operation and maintenance.
Phase 5: Monitoring (3 months)
Periodic visits from the Rotary club and technical staff.
Evaluation of sanitation improvements in the community.
System adjustments and optimization based on community needs.
Estimated Budget
Category Cost (USD)
Well drilling 7,064.85
Elevated tank and structure 14,000.00
Electrical line extension 4,000.15
Pipes, pumps, and accessories 4,500.00
Skilled labor 3,000.00
WASH training 500.00
Transportation and logistics 500.00
Supervision and monitoring 250.00
Rotary signage 500.00
Public image 300.00
Total Estimated Cost 34,615.00
Sustainability
The community will have a Water Committee made up of its own residents, who will be trained to manage the system, collect maintenance contributions, and ensure long-term operation. A system of minimum solidarity fees will be established through a community assembly agreement.
Rotary Club Involvement
Members of the Rotary Club Crisol del Paraná will actively participate in all phases of the project, conducting technical visits, coordinating training sessions, and promoting community education. They will also be responsible for post-implementation follow-up to ensure sustainable outcomes and impact.
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