Milagros’ story

“The women used to build a pool in the river, fill heavy cans with water, and hoist them through long, muddy and steep paths to their homes,” says Milagros.

“But since last year, the water comes to the door of the houses thanks to our aqueduct. And that aqueduct is there because it was built with the effort of the entire community.”

Milagros and the 80 families living in el Higuero, Altamira, each gave the equivalent of 8p each week towards the cost of the aqueduct that was to bring longed-for water to their homes. They got advice and support from Progressio development worker Fernando Umaña, working with local partner Federación Dominicana de Municipios. Fernando helped them form a neighbourhood committee to implement the project and get funding through the town’s participatory budgeting process.

Today, they have water for the first time. The families still maintain the aqueduct, paying 67p each per month for the water, which helps pay two plumbers to keep it running smoothly.

Now, having seen how well they can work together, the group of neighbours has a new plan: they’re going to build a school. “The way we will get it is the same way we got the water supply: encouraging people to be engaged in the process, knocking on many doors, and working hard together with the local government,” says Milagros.

“Now we know how to improve our own lives.”