News

Elvia Marroquín and Isabel Rodríguez moved to the neighborhood about two decades ago because they could afford to buy a tiny parcel of land and escape from the drudgery of paying high rents closer to town.

Elvia is the treasurer of the Aguas De Unidad – Nazarene church committee. Her daughter was the water system manager until recently when she moved to Mexico City to join her husband who had found work there.

Elvia says that this year the ADU system has given about $1,000 USD this year to needy people both within the community and out of town. The sale of water has generated money to fund the purchase of medicine, clinical laboratory tests, visits to the doctor, wooden posts to be the supports for a new room, a funeral, and flooring.

Isabel currently heads the ADU-church committee. It is now her son´s turn as system manager. Isabel finds satisfaction in her duties because she is serving and thanking God for His blessings which are the aid she is able to distribute thanks to the operations of the water system. Although the church, a Nazarene mission, is currently without a full-time pastor, about 50 people attend meetings and celebrations on a regular basis. The church has a strong sense of missionary work: every week, church members bring in food and put together food baskets for those in need. Additionaly, children´s and youth groups use the classrooms behind the water system. Young people undertake missions to clean up the streets, help do minor repairs in the homes of people who can´t manage the tasks for themselves, celebrate the word of God, and distribute flyers which promote the word of God.

Although the community was at first reluctant to buy ADU water, believing that at such a low price the quality could not possibly be up to par, people now come from all around to stock up. Some come by car to buy 10 jugs at a time which they then sell for 2 to 3 pesos (=USD 20 to 30 cents) more than at the water system. The road in front of the water system is rocky and pot-holed and driving is difficult. Elvia and Isabel agree that if they could promote the paving of that part of the street at least, sales at the plant would increase with the improved access to vehicles.