The Problem:

With a population of over 28,000 inhabitants, San Lorenzo is a municipality in the Department of Boaco, which is over 56 miles from Managua, the country’s capital. The residents of San Lorenzo rely heavily on subsistence farming, raising such items as beans, rice, corn, wheat and sorghum. Livestock farming is also used in this community but mainly as a means for local consumption.

A majority of the residents in San Lorenzo – especially in the rural areas – cannot afford decent housing and the access to clean water is limited. Many residents use wells, rivers, and public posts to obtain water; however, these sources are not properly treated and contain high levels of contamination.

There is an extreme demand for housing, easy access to clean water, proper sanitation, and income-producing opportunities that will help families to fulfill their basic needs.

The Solution:

The San Lorenzo Community of Hope III project has created a new life for 21 impoverished families, providing water and sanitation components as well as fifteen hectares on land for bean grain production along with supervision, training, and merchandising.

Due to water shortages and other unforeseen issues, it was recommended that six existing water wells be renovated in Posoli instead of renovating three new wells. Additionally, this project funded a new water uptake in Posoli.