Clean water is a fundamental necessity for human health and development, yet millions of people around the world still lack reliable access to this basic resource. For this reason, Clean Water and Sanitation is one of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus.
The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is doing its part to help support this Rotary initiative by identifying needs in remote communities and installing water filtration and purification systems so low-income, at-risk families have access to safe, clean drinking water.
With matching funds coordinated by Roger Mann and the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler in Canada, Seaside Rotary installed its first clean water system almost 10 years ago on the grounds of the Primaria Constituyentes de 1974 in Cristo Rey. The two clubs worked hand in hand and pooled their resources to make this International Project a reality.
Unfortunately, during the extended shutdown of the school during the coronavirus pandemic, this system fell into serious disrepair and was found to be unusable when the schools finally reopened.
Through the perseverance of Roger Mann, a dear ‘Friend of Seaside Rotary’, another International Project was put together to renovate the water facility and return it to functionality. The Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler matched funds raised by Seaside Rotary allowing us to install a new water purification system to serve the children and families of the Cristo Rey community.
Roger S. Mann and students from the primary school in Cristo Rey
This week, the new water purification system was fired up, the water tested and the ribbon cut inaugurating the facility. This system, now up and running, will once again provide safe drinking water to thousands of children and their families in one of the most vulnerable sectors of our service area.
This essential project could not have been made possible without the support of Roger Mann and the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler. We would also like to thank Mariana Solis and Copper Control who managed the installation. They have also offered to support this project by overseeing the maintenance of the equipment and providing the chemicals required to keep this system running for years to come.
The installation of water filtration and purification systems is just one example of Seaside Rotary’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the children in Playa del Carmen. These projects not only address the obvious and immediate health concerns but also contribute to long-term community development. When children are healthy and well-nourished, they are better able to focus on their education, opening up opportunities for a brighter future.
If you would like to participate in a Clean Water Project with the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, CONTACT us today!