Village of San Pedro Las Huertas
Through the following photos and narrative we hope to take you along on a brief tour of some of the things we saw and experienced on our exploratory trip to this very disadvantaged community in Guatemala.
This was where we not only met with the mayor, but with the whole town council -11 in all. They called it an historical event, because no other organization ever came there and asked what their needs were. Most Christian organizations came, did their own thing, and left.
San Pedro Las Huertas Town Hall
The council told us their needs. The most urgent is purified water. The water flows from the mountain three kilometers away. When the town has the money, men go up the mountain and chlorinate the water by pouring pool chlorine in a concrete tank. By the time water reaches the town, no one knows how much chlorination is left. The water disperses into seven pipes that feed 21 water stations, which are in need of repair (broken, leaking). The people collect water at these stations in pots or buckets and carry it home to fill concrete type sinks which hold it for their daily use. This water also goes to a large clothes washing tank in the center of town square where the poorest come to wash clothes (see photos below).
The council members took us to see the water tank, some of the water stations, and then to another need at the schools. Two elementary schools need bathroom repairs and kitchens. One kitchen serves approximately 700 students a day from a 10' x 10' area. The other has a similar area that is completely enclosed and has a molded ceiling, caused by a lack of light and fresh air circulation. There are no heaters or air conditioners.
This is a street scene at Vid Verdadero Church. A small water station is visible on the right, on the blue building.
Our Exploratory Trip to San Pedro Las Huertas
One of the larger water stations in need of repair.
The poorest of the people are embarrassed to come to town. They do come to use the community washing station for washing their clothes.
The washing center needs a new roof and repair to the drainage pipes.
Close-up of the smaller water station
in need of repair.
