Chincha Alta, Peru - Infrastructure Enhancement

Two years after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake shook southern Peru tens of thousands of residents still do not have running water or electricity. Basic medical and schooling facilities are still not properly functioning.

Many individuals attempt to rebuild their homes with the rubble from the quake, only to have it topple down on them again during tremors.

Government delivery of water fills barrels in homes for drinking and bathing. But often the trucks don't show, and a black market for water has developed.

Many organizations, foreign governments and NGOs sent aid at the onset of the problem. But it was a small band-aid for a large wound. Also, corruption is prevalent and often aid doesn't reach its target.

In October of 2009, we met with local residents, community leaders and other organizations assisting in the region to assess the immediate needs in Chincha.  Our goal was to determine how to help quickly alleviate the suffering of these people.

After evaluating the obstacles that keep basic services from reaching so many, The Project Fund has embarked upon the following first stage of infrastructure enhancement:

Housing

Housing still remains the largest obstacle to the recovery of Chincha.  The 2007 earthquake leveled entire neighborhoods.  Families still live in makeshift homes, constructed from gathered debris and flimsy materials.

A new building standard has been developed in the wake of the earthquake.  Using concrete as a foundation, walls are then constructed using bamboo, adobe, wire mesh, and concrete.  All materials are available locally, and this type of construction has shown to best provide against future earthquake damage. 

The common application is a one level, 500 square foot home that costs approximately $6,000 to build. We are seeking the funds to directly build these homes.

A large scale commitment to a housing project will also help create a sustainable economic model, that will involve local supply businesses, masons and skilled craftsman.

Medical Facilities

Throughout Chincha, there are small clinics (postos), set up to deliver basic care to these impoverished neighborhoods.  There is currently a problem with tuberculosis, and an extremely high incidence of respiratory infections due to the dust from the unpaved roads.

These clinics are terribly undersupplied, and lack basic medical equipment and medicine. We have identified ten clinics that badly need assistance.  We are seeking the donation of the following supplies to be delivered to these clinics, or the funds so we may purchase these items locally.  Certain non-infrastructure items, such as medicines, will be purchased locally, and continually. 

Digital thermometers, dental forceps, universal forceps, bayonet forceps, carpule syringes, basic laboratory equipment, childbirth equipment, stethoscopes, computers, printers, file cabinets, pharmacy storage cabinets.

Schools

While there has been some improvement in the last few years, there is still a lot of work to be accomplished in getting the elementary schools of Chincha operating properly.  Children still attend classes in badly damaged buildings and schools lack books, supplies and learning equipment.  Some schools attempt to feed the poorest of children during the day, but kitchen facilities are dismal. We have identified eight schools that need immediate assistance.

We are seeking the donation of the following supplies to be delivered to these schools, or the funds so we may purchase these items locally:

Children’s library, notebooks, crayons, pens, paper, rulers, backpacks, lunch boxes, shoes (ages 4-12), kitchens supplies, pots, pans, silverware, educational and recreational games, desks, chairs, tables, sporting goods, cones, mats, soccer balls, audio visual equipment, projectors, computers, printers, copier, first aid kits, blackboards.

Nurseries/Orphanages

There are numerous daycare and make shift orphanages throughout Chincha.  Many parents, who do find work, must travel far outside Chincha leaving their children for long hours at these facilities. 

We are seeking the donation of the following supplies to be delivered to these day care facilities, or the funds so we may purchase these items locally:

Strollers, cribs, mattresses, sheets, blankets, towels, educational games, storybooks, crayons, puzzles, children’s CDs, VCR/DVD players, thermos, first aid kits, kitchen equipment, clothes and shoes.

We welcome volunteers to come to Peru. We also welcome ideas, solutions and useful urban planning technology. Contact us!