Access to Water in Honduras

According to the World Bank’s 2007 World Development Indicators, 1.2 million people, or approximately 15.3% of the population in Honduras does not have access to safe drinking water, and 2.1 million people (26.9% of the population) do not have basic sanitation facilities.

In rural areas, a stark 33% of individuals lack access to safe water, based on WHO/UNICEF reports. Further, the Pan American Health Organization reports that health conditions such as infectious parasites, tuberculosis, and malnutrition are among the worst in the Western Hemisphere. Gastro-intestinal illnesses, especially diarrhea, are widespread.

Agua para el Pueblo (APP)

APP, one of The Resource Foundation’s affiliates in Honduras, is addressing a serious need in Honduras where access to potable drinking water and the failure to control sewage are key factors causing the high incidence of health problems. In the communities where APP operates, residents live in extreme poverty without access to basic necessities, such as  potable water, latrines, and electricity. The majority of communities do not have health centers or schools.

For over 22 years, APP has helped rural communities improve their living standards through integrated development programs. APP actively collaborates with community members to construct and maintain sustainable potable water projects, while also promoting long-term development through leadership training. Since its inception, APP has provided more than 800 low-income communities with potable water, latrines, and training.

APP’s comprehensives activities include:

• Installing potable water systems with community participation
• Forming community Water Boards and training community members on installation, maintenance, and administration of water systems
• Building latrines to improve health and hygiene
• Promoting health and nutrition
• Offering environmental education on protecting water sources
• Reforesting depleted watershed areas
• Providing training related to health, nutrition, and environmental sanitation

Projects

Recently, APP has worked on several potable water and environmental sanitation projects in the department of Copan and Yoro benefiting rural communities in the municipalities of Cabanas, Santa Rita and Copan Ruinas.

Volunteer Opportunities

Over the years, APP has coordinated over 25 volunteer trips. Volunteers from Cornell University, Georgian Court University, individuals, and families each bring their own expertise and knowledge in order to improve access to water and sanitation for rural communities in need.