Las Delicias, Panama
Status: Ongoing
The Community
Las Delicias, Panama, is a growing subsistence farming community of over 280 people in 85 homes, nestled in the mountains of Coclé province. Improved road access has led local farmers to expand into cash crops like oranges and coffee for market sale. The community has a school, where a commuting teacher instructs when available, a community center for gatherings, and a popular soccer field. Though thriving, Las Delicias struggled with clean drinking water access until a new water system was installed in December 2018, replacing a faulty system plagued by leaks and poor design. Today, an elected Water Board oversees water distribution, collecting dues to maintain this vital resource.
The Project
The Northeastern University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA NEU) began collaborating with Las Delicias after a university group visited in 2014 to help build a water storage tank for the local school. This trip initiated a lasting partnership between EWB-USA NEU and the community, allowing the chapter to understand the issues with Las Delicias’ water system. The old distribution system, made of PVC pipes laid above ground, was vulnerable to leaks and environmental damage. The new system, with two water sources and a large concrete tank, has improved reliability, yet unusual weather patterns continue to challenge water availability. Since 2015, EWB-USA NEU has been working alongside the community to improve public and environmental health, enhance technical knowledge, and increase access to clean drinking water.
The Progress
The Northeastern University Engineers Without Borders team began working with Las Delicias in 2015 to assess and design a new water system. Initial trips focused on mapping, health surveys, and understanding community needs, leading to the design of a gravity-fed water system with break pressure tanks. In 2017, construction began, with the team training community members, coordinating material deliveries, and overseeing the start of trenching and pipe installation. By March 2018, phase two was underway, including pipeline routing, break tank placement, and river crossing construction. The system was commissioned in December 2018 after final inspections and adjustments, providing clean drinking water access. The team plans a 2020 visit to implement a new transmission main and filter box to further improve water quality and address final community needs.