Bridges to Prosperity Morning in La Tana, Guatema

La Taña and Tesoro Chuiquito are two rural communities in the northernmost area of Uspantán. They lie right in the heart of the Zona Reyna, one of the most remote and underdeveloped regions of Guatemala. None of the communities in this region have electricity or running water (though that's slowly changing due to the efforts of the local government) and can only be reached by a three to seven hour journey from Uspantán on unpaved roads. La Taña is set in the deep, lush valley of the Río Satan and has a weekly market, a school and the region's only health center. The people of the smaller community, Tesoro Chiquito, have to cross the broad Río Satan daily, carrying their products to market, their books to school or even sick relatives to the hospital. The trip is always risky but when waters are high it can be downright dangerous. Locals tell a story of a boy who drowned years ago while trying to come home from school. The people of La Taña and Tesoro Chiquito will benefit immensely from the construction of a new bridge, allowing them safely to access their fields, their market, their schools and health center.

The crossing was 40 meters, spanning the Rio Satan. During construction, it became increasingly evident that the improved access gained by the footbridge was going to be incredible; well over half the population of La Tana cross the river daily in order to reach the schools, medical clinic and of course, the soccer field. The Flatiron Construction team arrived with only two-weeks to erect the towers, string the cables and complete the structure; less than one week after arrival, the team stood side-by-side with the local villagers with whom they worked for the past 7 days and inaugurated the bridge.

La Taña is the polar located at 605 meter elevation. Driving, it will take about six hours, on good roads, to get from the airport to Uspantan, the seat of the municipality. From Uspantan, it's another four hour 4x4 drive to La Taña.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Bridges to Prosperity
• Footbridges
• International Development
• Non-profit
• river crossings
• bridges
• bridge
• central america

[NICO201044]

I AM THE SAN MIGUEL USPANTAN I LIKE THIS VIDEO

[LttlGTOredux]

Great video!!! Your in-country spokeman is a wise young sage who reminds us in simple language that we are all brothers and sisters, each responsible to help the other. And, thanks for helping spread the word about a a grass-roots organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate around the world.