2018

Mallkuchusi is located in the Charana and Calacoto municipalities in the Pacajes province in the La Paz department of Bolivia. Situated in the altiplano (high plains) about six hours southwest of La Paz, Bolivia, the Mallkuchusi community consists of 63 people residing next to the Rio Mallkuchusi. 

The bridge spans a total of 93 meters over the Río Mallkuchusi, which in the winter and in the rainy seasons is dangerous to cross due to freezing and flooding. There is currently no other way for the children and elderly to cross the river, as many families live on either side of the river and the school is also located across the river. When the water freezes in the winter, community members have been injured attempting to cross. With completion of this bridge, school children and members of the community (many of whom are elderly) will be able to safely access homes, schools, and grazing lands located on the other side of the river. This is the first bridge NDSEED has built in Bolivia, and due to the complex nature of the site and existing rock conditions, it will be a two-phase project shared between the 2018 and 2019 teams. 

The community has been an exceptional partner to the team as it prepares to complete the bridge in the upcoming build season, and it is our hope that the completion of this bridge will increase the safety and prosperity of the community.