Santiago, December 2024 – To ensure access to clean drinking water and reduce environmental risks for a community of over 200 residents, Ausenco has strengthened its collaboration with the nonprofit Ingeniería Sin Fronteras (ISF) to lead a volunteer project in El Alfalfal, Cajón del Maipo. After more than a year of collaborative work, the project successfully implemented a renewed water distribution system and environmental risk management that significantly improved both the quality and accessibility of water, transforming life in this water-scarce region. The initiative, which included co-design workshops and active community participation, offers sustainable solutions with lasting positive impact.
“The project in El Alfalfal showcases how humanitarian engineering can create tangible and meaningful change,” said Óscar Robles, Materials Handling Consultant at Ausenco, who served as a mentor in the community alongside the team. “Our collaboration with ISF allowed us to co-develop sustainable solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also strengthen the community’s long-term resilience,” he added.
Empowering the Community
Álvaro Leguía, Director of ISF, highlighted the project’s broader impact: "Beyond the infrastructure, this collaboration has empowered the community to take ownership of their challenges and strengthen their ability to manage future initiatives. Today, families can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having clean, safe water."
Local resident, Carolina Martínez, expressed gratitude: “The new system provides excellent water quality and consistent pressure. It's a significant improvement, especially during winter when we often lost access, or during the thaw when water arrived contaminated. We're truly grateful."
This initiative reflects Ausenco and ISF’s vision of applying humanitarian engineering methodology that combines technical expertise with a holistic approach to solving social and environmental challenges.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, Ausenco and ISF are preparing a second stage: a wildfire prevention plan. Located in a high-risk area, El Alfalfal faces increasing threats from wildfires, intensified by prolonged drought and extreme weather events linked to climate change. This new initiative will equip residents with tools and strategies to protect their homes and ensure the safety of the community.