MinAgricultura and FAO deliver a well to the Wayúu community of Tutchonka in Manaure, La Guajira

At a depth of 120 meters and with the capacity to pump 45 000 liters of water daily, a well was handed over this Thursday to benefit the Wayúu Tutchonka community, located 90 minutes from Riohacha, La Guajira. The launch of this well was made possible through the collaborative efforts of FAO, the Army’s Disaster Attention and Prevention Battalion No. 81—composed of military engineers—and local residents, in a coordinated initiative led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as part of the response to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the peninsula.

Drilling work began late last year at a strategic location identified through necessary geoelectric studies to locate the underground water flow. The system operates using solar panels installed beside the well, ensuring the integration of clean energy in the area.

“We are concluding the first phase of this project, which is about securing water. Now we begin the food production phase as part of anticipatory measures against climate change. This is a milestone for this community, as they previously had no access to water,” said Aura María Duarte, Vice Minister of Agricultural Affairs.

She noted that out of the 45 000 liters pumped daily, an estimated 10 000 to 15 000 liters will be used for agricultural projects in the area, supported by sectoral entities.

Agustín Zimmermann, FAO Representative in Colombia, emphasized that this project gives the community “the opportunity to achieve food security and transform agri-food systems to confront climate-related challenges.”
The irrigation system benefiting this community includes 7,200 meters of drip hose installed in planting modules. Until last year, the Tutchonka community had to plan their planting around annual rainfall calendars. Now, with water flowing, they can begin production cycles of beans, maize, cassava, and fruit trees at any time of year.

For Wayúu leader Gelber Pinzón, the arrival of water represents a major life change for his community. Previously, they had to travel 8 to 10 kilometers to fetch water for their animals. These animals were often sold to buy food supplies, which were purchased in Manaure markets.

Now, with water available, the time once spent fetching it will be redirected toward cultivating crops and caring for livestock.