La Guajira

La Guajira is located on the north coast of Colombia where about half of the people are indigenous (Wayúu). Their livelihood generally is raising livestock, fishing and creating handcrafts. However, at best, these provide only a meager sustenance. The extreme poverty that many indigenous people face is compounded by the severe water shortage.

Members of Aguayuda have previously visited this region and thanks to the support of the Los Flamencos Sanctuary we have been able to visit the communities to observe the water situation firsthand. This has provided valuable insight into the conditions and possibilities that exist for Aguayuda to help.

The nearby rivers and ponds are the main water source. Unfortunately these water sources are shared with the animals, wild as well as domesticated, contaminating the water and rendering it unhealthy for human consumption. During the dry season these water sources are dried up and the community is left with no natural resource for water.

Rain water capture is another common method of obtaining water. However, often the collecting devices and water containers are rusty, dirty and open to animals, insects and germs that contaminate the rain water.

The contaminated water causes skin rashes and gastrointestinal problems. Water related-diseases are especially hard on the youngest members of the communities.

Some of the communities have storage tanks that are filled once a month by a private or government owned company. Unfortunately, the delivery process is fraught with problems including delays due to the lack of truck drivers, mechanical problems and insufficient gasoline and water in the area.

Aguayuda is evaluating various potential projects to help communities to obtain safe drinking water.

They include:

Perratput: This Wayúu reservation of 500 with another 1000 or so in the surrounding areas is located in the Los Flamencos Sanctuary. Due to their close proximity to the ocean, and lack of other viable water sources, a wind mill driven desalination system that is being built by a Colombian company may be an appropriate solution for this community.

Manaure: Some communities surrounding Manaure have good wells that are not being used because they lack a way to access the water. A wind mill or solar pump is needed to pump the water into a storage tank.