Guanajuato, Mexico Project

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Guanajuato, Mexico Project

• Engineers without Borders
• Kitsap County
• Nancy Lynch Patzer, C125.3
• 11 June 2009

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Map of Guanajuato - Location
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General Environment

• Northern part of Guanajuato state is mountains,
  southern part is valley.
• Arid area due to coastal mountains.
• Short seasonal wet season (June-July)
• Centuries of mining activities in mountains
• Heavy air pollution in valley areas (toxic rain)
• Ground water pollution mining refineries
• Water shortage / quality issues

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El Cubilete, Silao, Guanajuato

• El Cubilete Mountain (Cerro) is a religious
  tourism site located at the geographical center
  of Mexico. Community is in cooperation with
  local church parish and monastery. Locals sell
• Community of El Cubilete consists of more than 50
  families in scattered groups.
• Persons directly affected by projects 300.
  Additional 500 persons indirectly affected.
• Community is small and dispersed and have
  difficulty obtaining services.
• Children attend nearby primary and secondary
  schools aided by tuition small additional
  subsistence.
• El Cubilete is approx. ½ hour from cities of
  Silao, Leon and Guanajuato. Bus transportation
  available.

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Cristo Rey, Cerro del Cubilete

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El Cubilete
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El Cubilete - Proposed projects

• Many projects, phased in over time, will improve
  the health and well-being of the habitants.
• Identified needs include
• Potable water project connected to existing well
  approx. 500 meters from closest family group.
• Drainage / Sanitation systems. Church and
  Monastery have a small Water Treatment plant.
• Water retention system / reservoirs to collect
  and store rainwater.
• Erosion control
• Educational programs for community to take charge
  of trash and to maintain water system.

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Local Support

• Local community will work for own benefit.
  Habitants have built their own homes.
• Will organize labor groups and responsibilities
  for each group.
• University of Guanajuato Students can assist with
  assessment, design and education.
• Very little monetary support available
• No municipal, state or federal government provide
  support other than schools for children.

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• Possible negative effect
• Change to traditional culture of the community
  with respect to water use. Availability without
  problem may reduce water value more
  consumption and less care.
• May increase waste generation, which will require
  collection and appropriate disposal.
• Mitigation
• Education for care and good water useage.
• Community education to take charge of garbage and
  maitenance of water system.

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Guanajuato

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Health safety issues

• Mountainous area has snakes and insects to be
  aware of, nothing especially dangerous. Carry
  appropriate first aid kits.
• Local drinking water is bottled in central
  Mexico.
• Local emergency clinics in community.
• Hospitals available Silao, Leon Gto.
• No concerns for violent activity in immediate
  area.
• Gang/drug activities in larger cities (Leon,
  Irapuato) require normal personal vigilance.

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Contact Information

• Irania Dafne Deloya-Contreras Silao, Gto.,
  Primary Facilitator dafnedeloya_at_hotmail.com
• Javier Rubio-Velasquez, UG professor - Civ. Engr.
  Silao, Gto. Water Dept. Systems Engineer,
  Request submittal javier.rubio_at_sapas.gob.mx
• Dr. Antonio Horta, Director, University of
  Guanajuato, School of Civil Engineering,
  anthort2001_at_yahoo.com

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Technical Support

• University of Guanajuato
• Civil Engineering Library and UG alumni have
  resources for identification of local fabrication
  methods and materials.
• State educational system requires students to
  perform Social Service as part of school tuition.
  Possible contribution to site evaluation
  (surveys, etc)
• Initial contact with the Civil Engineering
  Department has raised interest in participation
  with Engineers without Borders for local projects

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Transportation Expense Estimate

• Airfare to Mexico City (MEX) 297-510
• Bus to Gto 50-55 r/t (5 hrs)
• PrimeraPlus.com.mx (from Airport via Queretaro)
• ETN.com.mx (from North Bus Station add 35 r/t
  for taxi)
• Omnibus de Mexico (N. Bus Station) less
  expensive
• Airfare to Guadalajara (GDL) 413-604
• Taxi to Bus Station (Tonala) approx. 35 r/t
• Bus to Gto 40-45 r/t (4 hrs) ETN/PrimeraPlus,
  O de M less
• Airfare to Guanajuato (BJX) 568-863

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• Housing considerations
• Visitors can be provided local housing and meals
  in nearby cities.
• Housing at El Cubilete is 20-30 per day.
• Best time to visit
• Summer and fall are good.
• Winter is somewhat cold with icy winds.

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Sources of more information

• www.guanajuato.gob.mx/ingles/ingles.htm
• - General information
• http//www.maps-of-mexico.com/mexico_states.shtml
• Detailed road maps of states, including
  Guanajuato
• http//www.maplandia.com/mexico/guanajuato/
• Satellite map of Guanajuato interactive