ICDF Quarterly Report (October – December 2011) ACDI/VOCA Bolivia

By December 31st, the ICDF had a total of 688 subaward projects in its portfolio, with 664 projects concluded and 24 projects in implementation. The majority of projects, 387, fall under the community development component, while 277 fall under the economic development component. Implementation of projects continued relatively unhindered throughout the quarter, despite a reduction in available funds for USAID, which resulted in a decrease in the ICDF's 2012 fiscal year budget. This led to a curtailment in the scope of various ICDF subaward activities and an overall adjustment of the ICDF's operational structure. The ICDF proceeded with the closure of two field offices and the termination of approximately 50 percent of its remaining personnel in the October to December period. Progress was made in projects that fall within the ICDF's potable water subcomponent. In the Yungas region, construction continued on several large potable water systems, which will provide communities with constant access to potable water. The ICDF also provided training to participant communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects. This included the formation and strengthening of Potable Water and Sanitation Committees (CAPYS) for each system, which were trained in potable water system administration, operation, and maintenance. The ICDF also provided training to target population groups in areas of community organization, appropriate use of natural resources, and conservation of water sources through initiatives overseen by environmental committees. For example, the ICDF's trainers carried out activities in the schools of participant communities to raise awareness among school-age children regarding the importance of water and its appropriate use, personal hygiene, and solid-waste management. Within its basic sanitation subcomponent, the ICDF continued work on the Siguani Grande sewer system located in the Municipality of La Asunta. The majority of the excavation for the installation of the system's pipelines and inspection chambers was completed, and the cement for the wastewater treatment tank was poured. This tank will form part of the state-of-the-art anaerobic wastewater treatment plant called for in the system's design. The Siguani Grande sewer system will benefit 180 families that will access the service through household connections. The ICDF also made important progress on projects that fall within its education subcomponent. In the Municipality of La Asunta, construction continued on the twelve classrooms for the René Barrientos Ortuño School, resulting in a nearly finished product by the end of the quarter. Minor construction and installation of furniture will be completed in the next reporting period. In the Municipality of Irupana, the construction of two multi-grade classrooms in the communities of Huiri Lanza and San Jose de Llojeta was concluded. The ICDF's efforts in the education subcomponent aim to improve access to quality education for rural communities in Bolivia. The construction of classrooms and provision of training to teachers and community members are key components of this effort. The ICDF's work in this area is expected to contribute to improved educational outcomes and reduced poverty in rural Bolivia. Overall, the ICDF Quarterly Report highlights the organization's commitment to implementing its ongoing activities at a high standard of quality, despite the challenges posed by a reduction in available funds. The ICDF's progress in the potable water, basic sanitation, and education subcomponents demonstrates its ability to deliver results and improve the lives of rural communities in Bolivia.