Monday, 01 August 2022 03:04

Fundación Coca-Cola brings continuous quantity and quality of water to more than 10,000 residents of Nejapa

Written by Evelyn Alas

More than 10 thousand residents of three different communities in the Municipality of Nejapa will receive multiple benefits in the potable water service thanks to the contribution of the Coca-Cola Foundation for the improvement of 4 rehabilitated storage tanks in the communities of El Bonete and Río San Antonio SMARSA.

In addition, the communities received improvements for the installation of chlorinators, 2,000 meters of piping were installed, and the pumping system was replaced, including the pump, the panel and the electrical system, in the community of Las Marías II.

The project "Strengthening of water infrastructure, guaranteeing access to drinking water" benefited three communities that are located in vulnerable areas, in addition to the lack of water and the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led the local government to include them as communities in the emergency category.

The Fundación Coca-Cola provided financial support in the amount of $100 thousand, the project was carried out thanks to the executing arm of the Fundación para la Sostenibilidad y la Equidad (ALIARSE), the collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Nejapa and the Administración Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (ANDA).

"From The Coca-Cola Company we support the Sustainable Development Goals and partner to help create opportunities for people through community access to water and sanitation, which promote improved hygiene behaviors to achieve positive effects on the health and development of communities", said William Segura, Manager of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Central America.

Jorge Escamilla, Mayor of the Municipality of Nejapa, highlighted the importance of having the support of the Fundación Coca-Cola to carry out this project. "This alliance allowed us to bring water access to three communities, Las Marías II, San Antonio and Bonete II, benefiting more than 10,000 thousand people who did not have regular drinking water service", he said.

Investment for the future

The communities were facing multiple problems with the infrastructure and deficiencies with the chlorination equipment, thanks to this contribution they will have sustainable infrastructure over time, in addition to each local water committee, which is how the communities are organized for the administration and supply of water, received training in hygiene, hand washing and maintenance personnel for the proper operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.