A S Harrison & Co, in collaboration with its channel partner CAC Concentrated Aloe Corporation (CAC-USA), is proud to support a vital Potable Water Initiative in Guatemala.
This project exemplifies A S Harrison and Co’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, aiming to improve water access for the El Bordo sector of the El Subinal community in Guastatoya, a rural area in the Department of El Progreso, Guatemala. The initiative is a strategic alliance between A S Harrison & Co, CAC, local authorities, and the community, ensuring sustainable development and better living conditions for local families.
The initiative was born from a thorough diagnostic process, funded by A S Harrison & Co and managed by CAC-USA, with critical support from CAC-Guatemala, the local municipality, and ECOSOCIAL, a community-focused planning and execution partner. This collaboration involved the active participation of the Community Development Councils (COCODEs) in the El Subinal area.
The diagnostic phase revealed a significant issue in the El Bordo sector. Families in this community, which includes 68 households and 331 individuals, face severe water shortages due to their location on higher ground than the existing community water distribution tank.
Although a second water tank exists at a higher level, it has remained unused because the electrical system lacks the capacity to power the pumps needed to supply water to this tank.
The community, in coordination with local authorities, proposed a solution: to enable a light pumping system that would transfer water from the first tank to the second, ensuring that the families of El Bordo receive the water they desperately need.
Like many rural areas in Guatemala, the El Subinal community faces financial and technical limitations.
The local municipality, while supportive, does not have the resources to fully meet the water demands of its communities.
Additionally, private and governmental institutions in the capital have limited capacity to address the potable water needs of small rural sectors.
For the community’s development councils (COCODEs), seeking international assistance was beyond their means, both economically and technically.
Recognising these challenges, CAC, alongside A S Harrison & Co and the local municipality, stepped in to form a strategic alliance.
The collaboration aims to pool resources and expertise to address the urgent water supply needs in the El Bordo sector.
The solution to the community’s water issue lies in refurbishing the existing infrastructure and installing a pumping system to connect the two tanks. The project will involve the following key actions:
Municipal Involvement: The local government will install the necessary electrical service for the first tank, refurbish the second tank, and build concrete structures for water flow control, such as a gate valve and distribution connections.
Community Participation: The El Subinal community will contribute by digging trenches and refilling them for the installation of new piping.
This communal effort reinforces the local commitment to the success of the project.
A S Harrison & Co’s Role: With funds managed by CAC-USA, A S Harrison invested in the necessary equipment for pumping and piping, ensuring that water flows from tank one to tank two, and subsequently to the community’s distribution network.
This potable water initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared responsibility. By working together, A S Harrison & Co, CAC, and local authorities are addressing a critical need for clean water in rural Guatemala, aligning with ESG principles and creating a lasting, positive impact. Through this initiative, the El Subinal community will gain reliable access to potable water, improving the quality of life for its residents and setting a sustainable path for the future.
Concentrated Aloe Corporation (CAC) offers the industry’s largest selection of Organic Certified Aloe Vera, along with other natural raw materials for the food, personal care, and cosmetics industries. CAC is committed to sustainable farming practices, fair financing, and minimising environmental impact. They focus on socially responsible strategies that support farmers and communities involved in producing raw materials, ensuring equitable benefits and a reduced ecological footprint.
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