ICDF Quarterly Report (January – March 2011) ACDI/VOCA Bolivia

This total includes 410 projects under the community development component and 278 under the economic development component. Twenty-three new projects were added during the reporting period, bringing the total to 688. At the end of the quarter, 50 projects were in the design phase or under procurement, and 58 were in the implementation phase. To date, 580 sub-award projects have been completed. The Vice Ministry of Coca and Integrated Development convened four technical committees during the reporting period. These committees discussed ideas and designs for current and future projects, resulting in the approval of 23 new projects. All of the newly approved projects fall under the ICDF community development component. Concluded projects include several potable water systems, refurbishment of school infrastructure, and others within the health and education subcomponents. One notable potable water system was constructed for the Moseten community of Inicua Bajo in the Municipality of Palos Blancos. The system serves 60 indigenous families who previously had to obtain water from the river or collect rainwater. The new potable water system is now functioning and is being managed by Inicua Bajo community members who have been trained in its operation and maintenance. Potable water systems were also completed in the communities of Tupiza A, Tupiza B, Villa del Carmen, and San Pedro, all in the Municipality of Palos Blancos. A cervical cancer awareness campaign was completed with great success within the community development health subcomponent. The campaign was carried out for the second time in the Municipality of Palos Blancos and for the first time in Yanacachi upon the request of the municipal government and several women's organizations. A total of 209 women received medical attention in the form of general checkups and consultations, and 43 men were screened for prostate cancer. Medical staff members of the health centers and hospitals in the municipalities of Palos Blancos and Yanacachi were trained in the screening techniques used during the health service campaign. A large teacher housing construction project was completed within the community development education subcomponent. The housing complex was constructed in the La Cascada educational district in the Municipality of Palos Blancos. The housing facility is made up of 16 homes, providing space for 16 teachers and their families. Each unit includes a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. By providing permanent housing for school teachers, these new living spaces will help ensure the continuity of classes for La Cascada's youth throughout the school year. Significant projects were also concluded within the ICDF's economic development portfolio. Equipment was provided to the three citrus processing plants in the municipalities of Palos Blancos and Alto Beni. These processing plants have already begun the post-harvest processing of citrus, mainly oranges. The processing plants are producing concentrated juices and other citrus by-products for local markets. The owners of the citrus processing plants expect that once they increase their capacity for production, their products will eventually reach markets in the city of La Paz.