Maya Chorti Region Fire Station Equipment Project

Project Overview

This project aims to equip the Volunteer Fire Station in the Maya Chorti region of Chiquimula, Guatemala, with essential emergency response vehicles and safety equipment. The station is located in Camotán municipality at Kilometer 198 on the route to El Florido, on the border with Honduras.

Background

The Volunteer Fire Department is an autonomous public service entity that is technical, professional, apolitical, and operates under a disciplinary regime with legal status and its own assets. The station will serve the Maya Chorti region, which includes the municipalities of:

• Camotán
• Jocotán
• San Juan Ermita
• Olopa

The region faces various emergencies including accidents, fires, natural disasters, and other incidents that affect the general population. The need for humanitarian social assistance organizations is crucial to overcome crises and often save lives.

Project Components

Equipment Requirements

1. Emergency Response Vehicle (Ambulance)

   • Designed for basic and advanced life support
   • Patient transport capabilities
   • Pre-hospital care equipment
   • Cost: $80,000

2. Safety Equipment

   • 10 special suits with safety and protection equipment
   • Personal protective equipment for volunteer firefighters
   • Cost: $35,000

3. Additional Components

   • Vehicle and equipment signage with Rotary International funds: $500
   • Contingency funds: $4,500

Total Project Cost: $120,000 USD

Target Beneficiaries

Direct Beneficiaries

• Management committee for the Maya Chorti Region firefighters
• 100 committee members building the fire station
• Representatives from all four municipalities

Population Served

According to the 2022 census by the National Statistics Institute (INE):

• Total population: 178,682 people
• Coverage area: Four municipalities in the Maya Chorti region

Community Involvement

The community has shown strong involvement through:

1. Initial Organization

   • Formation of a committee in 2022
   • Land donation for the station building
   • Construction began in 2023

2. Construction Progress

   • 60% physical progress achieved
   • Expected completion by end of 2025
   • Community participation in construction
   • Material donations
   • Skilled and unskilled labor contributions

Project Management

Station Management Committee

Executive Board:

• President: Rony Estuardo Carrera (+502 4572-7272)
• Vice President: Omar Perez Palma
• Secretary: Yulisa Montenegro
• Treasurer: Floricela Murcia
• Board Members:
  • Roberto Cruz
  • Luis Ramírez
  • Carlos Ramírez
  • Carlos García
  • Samael Martínez

Sustainability Plan

Institutional Support

1. Health System Integration

   • Coordination with Ministry of Public Health
   • Integration with local Health Centers network
   • Emergency response coordination

2. Municipal Support

   • Partnerships with all four municipal governments
   • Integration with risk management units
   • Financial support through institutional agreements

3. Regional Cooperation

   • Collaboration with Chiquimula department fire station
   • Mutual aid agreements
   • Resource sharing

Monitoring and Evaluation

Key Performance Indicators:

• Number of people/families served promptly
• Participation in accident prevention events
• Collaboration with other emergency agencies
• Community organization coordination effectiveness

Project Partners

1. Primary Partners

   • Rotary International
   • Rotary Club of Chiquimula de la Sierra
   • Municipal governments
   • Ministry of Public Health

2. Supporting Organizations

   • Local Health Centers
   • Emergency response agencies
   • Community organizations
   • Risk management units