In 2005, a bridge constructed from barbed-wire was destroyed by a fallen tree. Since then the 1,000+ villagers who live in the surrounding area have been crossing the river balancing on a precarious log. In association with the village of El Estor, Guatemala and the TEACH (Toward Educating America’s Children) Organization, EWB will work to design and construct a suspended cable bridge allowing those who live in the neighboring villages to safely cross the river, improving access to goods, health care, education, and commerce.
Assessment
An assessment team traveled to Guatemala in September of 2007 to survey the site. The bridge will be approximately 96 feet long and drop approximately 10 feet from the east bank to the west bank.
Implementation
In March of 2008 EWB-Chicago members worked with local residents of the village of El Quetzal to build a 100 ft. bridge spanning the Benque River. The bridge was dedicated on March 12, 2008.
