Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Water Distribution Renovation Project

Total Project Cost: $49,167

Project Location: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Municipality of Maravilla Tenejapa, Chiapas, Mexico

Project & Program Background

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is a rural Zapatista community of approximately 1,750 residents living in 150 households. Although the community is organized in a block‑style layout similar to a suburban development, it is located deep in the Lacandón jungle, accessible primarily by small motorized boat (lancha) along the Río Jataté.

The community’s water distribution system requires renovation and expansion. Several families are not currently connected to the system, and existing lines need repair. WEFTA has been asked to support a project that will extend service to unconnected households and rehabilitate aging infrastructure.

Community Background

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is an agrarian community where families barter goods and services. Homes sit on 50‑square‑meter plots arranged in blocks separated by footpaths that function as roads. The community does not have formal schools or health facilities; instead, families rotate responsibilities to meet basic educational and health needs.

Local coordination is led by Maestro José Paniagua Ruiz, who communicates with WEFTA through Sor Nelly Ríos Ruiz, director of Hospital San Carlos. Their leadership ensures strong community participation and reliable communication throughout project implementation. 

Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Concerns

Many families are not currently connected to the water distribution system. Aging lines, limited coverage, and the absence of centralized water access increase the risk of water insecurity and reduce household sanitation capacity.

Expanding and repairing the distribution system will provide reliable, centralized water access to all families, improving hygiene, reducing health risks, and strengthening community resilience.

Proposed Project 

The renovation and expansion of the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla water distribution system includes:

• New Distribution Lines: Installation of new hydraulic pipe to reach households not currently connected.
• Repairs to Existing Lines: Replacement of damaged fittings, valves, and clamps.
• System Improvements: Installation of isolation valves and other components to improve long‑term operability and maintenance.

These improvements will ensure that all families in the community have access to a reliable and sustainable water distribution system.

Sustainability Considerations

During construction, Maestro José identifies apprentices who learn how to install distribution lines, isolation valves, and related components. This hands‑on training builds local technical capacity and ensures that future repairs and expansions can be managed internally.

Additionally, the community will contribute 25% of the total project cost through local materials and skilled labor. This contribution strengthens long‑term ownership, reinforces local capacity, and ensures that the system is maintained and supported by the community itself.

The community’s strong organizational structure and commitment to collective labor further support long‑term sustainability.

Community Engagement

The Water Committee hosts WEFTA during site visits and coordinates local participation. Community members volunteer labor and assist with installation of the distribution system. Their involvement reduces project costs and strengthens ownership of the improved water system.

WEFTA Volunteer Involvement

WEFTA volunteers will provide technical oversight during installation, ensuring proper layout, construction quality, and long‑term functionality. Their guidance supports both the immediate project and the training of local apprentices.

WEFTA will contribute 15% of the total project cost through in‑kind technical assistance, including assessment, engineering support, construction oversight, and post‑construction follow‑up. This contribution ensures high‑quality implementation and long‑term system reliability.

If you would like additional information about this project, please contact us.