Instead of getting up early every day to walk an hour to get water, people in the communities of Cerro del Tezontle and El Pirú Tepozotlán in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, now have access to water right outside their homes.
New rainwater harvesting systems include cisterns capable of holding 20,000 liters of water, with filtration systems inside the homes to ensure the water is safe to drink. Families can now use the water for drinking, cooking, washing and bathing.
Many homes also now have new rear gardens with structures that are part orchard and part chicken coop, which can result in 150 kilos (330 pounds) of fruits and vegetables, and 150 to 200 kilos (330 to 440 pounds) of eggs per year.
The Church partnered Construyendo Esperanzas AC to provide rainwater harvesting systems for 40 homes; as well as the backyard project for 20 homes, reported the Church’s Mexico Newsroom.
Elder Itzcóatl Lozano, Area Seventy, took part at the project delivery ceremony on June 29, accompanied by Valle del Mezquital Mexico Stake President Yufen Garcia, and Pachuca Mexico Stake Relief Society President Adriana Torres.
“It was a wonderful activity,” Elder Lozano said.
In the collaboration, the Church provided the materials and Construyendo Esperanzas provided direction and expertise. The beneficiaries built the structures for their own homes — which also helped them gain knowledge they can use in other projects in their communities to help others.
The residents told Newsroom how thankful they were, because now they don’t have to worry if there will be water for their kitchens or to bathe their children. They also are grateful for fresh eggs, fruits and vegetables of their very own.
