We returned to La Paz and met with ARHC staff. Once again the product of this discussion centered on the imperative need to insure that these projects are self-sustaining in years to come. Brick and mortar is important, but someone has to maintain the system and educate the communities if the true value of the project is to be realized. The "adopt a county" program was a good move in this regard.
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| Urkupina Festival-Cochabamba |
We left the high altitude for the comforts of Cochabamba. The lower altitude was a welcomed relief for much of the group. We had to adjust our original hotel plans due to the impending Urkupina’ Festival. Single rooms were hard to find, but it did work out. We visited a remote community the next day – Rosas Pampas (drinking water system). After a long, dusty trip (2-3 hours) we arrived to visit the system. This community nestled in the mountain landscape is quite serene. It is very much like that of Laymini, only older. It was good to see that the system was being well maintained by the locals. The Peace Corp volunteer had reassigned elsewhere.
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So far, the ultimate goal of self-sustainability is being realized. The next day the group visited two communities – Koari Lagunillas I & II. These are developing systems, and ones that our chapter has sponsored financially. The communities treated the group to lunch (each one! – chunios and chicha – double your pleasure, double your fun!). These communities spoke the native "Quechua" language, which differed very much from the native "Aymara" tongue of those around Lake Titicacca. Believe me when I say all Bolivian languages are not created equal – even our most fluent Spanish speakers couldn’t understand these native languages. But as always you find a way to communicate – a smile is a picture that speaks 1000 words. The group was most taken by one of the outspoken community members, a blind woman. She was most outspoken of the merits of the water systems and was just a hoot. Women play an important role in the entire process, in that they are the ones that must be "on-board" - as they use the water most in their daily activities. Sustainability and health education are vital with regards to the women of the communities, so it was encouraging to see a woman being so outspoken about the importance of clean water. As with our Altiplano visit, we were able to enjoy ourselves a little in Cochabamba – in that we got to experience the Urkupina Festival. It was the Macy’s parade and a college frat party rolled into one. The music played, the people danced and the chicha flowed – all to the glory of the Virgin of Urkupina of course. Quite a sight to see.