While investment has been made by the government to construct potable water systems in the indigenous communities of Panamá Este and Darién over the last 30 years, most communities persist without functional systems to provide the quantity and quality of water required for their basic needs. The result is a tremendous burden on the economy, health, and development potential.

The Rotary Club of Roswell is partnering with the Panama Nordeste Rotary Club, and the Alpharetta, Milton and Griffin Rotary Clubs on a TRF Global Grant to help fix that, The club joined indigenous community leadership to construct water and sanitation infrastructure in two communities for an approximated cost of $64,162 - achieving cost-effective, sustainable WASH development in the region.

Construction started in March and today, the first well is in place in the community of Nueva Esperanza. an indigenous Embera community of 300 people located on the Tupiza River. The community has never had a water project done in their community. They currently obtain water by walking to and from the nearby river to fill up buckets or other containers with river water.

Our second project is in Nazareth, also a community of 262 that has never had a water project. They currently obtain water by walking to and from the nearby river to fill up buckets or other containers with river water.

We anticipate construction to be completed in both areas by early 2022.