Background

Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America and one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Many communities throughout the nation lack access to fundamental needs such as access to potable water and electricity. Since it began in 2005, CCNY – EWB has committed itself to bringing potable water to towns in the region of Omoa in Honduras. Our first project was in the mountain village of La Nueva Suiza, where we brought a water distribution and treatment system to the approximately 400 residents.

Using the success of this project as a springboard, our organization expanded to take on more projects throughout the region. We have already completed a water distribution and latrine project in the town of Las Chicas, and we are in the post-implementation phase of a ventilation project for the town of La Nueva Suiza. Currently we are assessing the larger town of Tegucigalpita to identify how we can help them improve their current water system, and we are trying to identify further projects in the region where we can best apply our capabilities to benefit the region.  

Commitment to the Region

The focus of all Engineering without Borders programs is sustainability. With this in mind, our chapter has maintained our presence in the same region of Honduras since our inception. We have worked hard to develop and maintain a network of relations with people actively involved in the region both on the ground in Honduras and through charity organizations in the United States. We carefully evaluate projects for sustainability and community commitment before accepting them.