On June 16, a group of 19 people from the Union Church of San Salvador worked alongside the Church and Community members of El Cambio, El Tinteral. The leaders in El Cambio continue their risk prevention work by building drainage canals and retaining walls to prevent future landslides and erosion in the area. So far, more than 30 walls have been built, most of them using ruined tires to construct the walls. This method maximizes local resources by incorporating otherwise useless items to construct a sturdy retaining wall to prevent erosion (which is prevelant in their area). A large portion of El Cambio was a settlement community for displaced families after the 2001 earthquakes. Many of these families have gone from living in plastic shelters to now having sturdy block homes, potable water, sanitation facilities, improved access roads and improved stoves in many homes. Over the years, the church and community has increased its capacity to manage such projects. It is easily understandable that the community would now want to protect their community against future disaster.
The extent of the possible damage due to erosion in the area was made very clear in 2005 after two weeks of heavy rain caused by hurricane Stan and other tropical storms pounded the area. The church and community leaders developed a plan to prevent future disasters in their area and insuring the safety of their new community.
The Union Church donated missions funds designated for follow-up from the 2005 storms to help with the cost of this ongoing work in El Tinteral. On June 16, the church also had the chance to see first hand what it is like installing such walls.
community member prying the tire open to allow dirt to be packed in
union church member, andrew murgatroyd, giving a free ride
sarah jacobson with community members
oscar taking a break
Click here to see a photo gallery from the work day.