Proyecto Sol (‘Project Sun’) has been installing solar panels in remote rural communities for nine years. It’s about to start a new phase in the community known simply as ‘Sector 80’, an isolated area to the north of Lake Nicaragua.  This community, which had no electricity at all and still has no water supply, received its first phase of solar power in 2011 (see photo). There is now demand from further families and work to install solar kits for seven new households will start soon, led by local organisation ADIC, our partner in Masaya.  More details in the next bulletin.

New environmental project in the city of Masaya

At a meeting with Masaya mayor Orlando Noguera last week (see photo), $1,500 was handed over for a new environmental project supported by the Leicester Masaya Link Group.

Just to the west of the city is a large volcanic crater lake (‘Laguna de Masaya’), which takes all the local rainwater and inevitably the waste water too. The council wants to clean up the lagoon. One step in doing this is to control illegal rubbish dumps in the valleys leading down to the lake, as the rubbish gets swept into the lagoon when it rains. One of the worst of these dumps that is still not properly under control is in the barrio of Monimbó (see photo).

Illegal rubbish dump in Monimbó: the slogan on the skip reads ‘Live prettily, live well!’

The project will help install a security fence around the top of the valley where rubbish gets dumped, and the city council will provide proper facilities to collect and take away/recycle rubbish.  Not only will this help in cleaning up the lagoon, but will remove a health hazard in the densely built-up area of Monimbó.

The project uses funds collected in memory of my son Joss, who died in April. Anyone wanting to make further donations can do so here.  Many thanks to those who have donated so far and have made this project possible.

Sustainable agricultural practices rewarded

Local partner ADIC’s main activities focus on sustainable farming methods. Recently it has been working with the government to certify the farming practices of some of the participants in its projects.  On 15 August, 21 farmers received their certificates from a director in the agriculture ministry and the Masaya mayor, Orlando Noguera.

Not only does this give recognition to the farmers for their products, but it also recognises ADIC’s success in developing sustainable agriculture with small producers.  Some of ADIC’s work in this field has been funded by LMLG and our current project in Vista Alegre promotes sustainable techniques.

More details of the Vista Alegre project in another bulletin.