The Urkupina Bolivian Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project GG2343050 was completed in March 2025, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines, Canada (District 7090) and the Rotary Club of Trinidad, Bolivia (District 4690), along with support from The Rotary Foundation. The project successfully provided fresh, clean drinking water to around 1,000 people in a rural Bolivian community.
Key Achievements:
A 15,000-litre water storage tank was installed, refilled daily using a semi-surge pump.
Household water connections were established through a network of pipes.
The local municipality supported the project with mechanical equipment for infrastructure development.
A community water committee was formed to manage maintenance, funded through a small monthly fee from residents.
The project also aimed to improve hygiene knowledge and practices, helping prevent disease spread.
Contributors:
Rotary Clubs from Canada, Bolivia, Brazil, Australia, the USA, and Barbados all played a role in making this project a success. The Rotary Foundation facilitated funding and expertise.
A plaque at the base of the water tower commemorates the contributions of various Rotary Clubs, marking the gratitude of the Virgen de Urkupiña community.
Representatives who visited the site—including Lezlie Murch, Rina Bergshoeff, and John Boot—experienced firsthand the community’s appreciation. If you're interested in supporting a Rotary Global Grant in Bolivia, you can contact LezlieMurch@gmail.com.
