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![](media/image3.jpeg){width="1.820138888888889in"
height="1.875in"}uerto Parada used to be the most polluted area in the
Jiquilisco Bay. But, ever since **MAS** (Mitch Agua y Saneamiento) began
its work**,** it accomplished everything the Ministry of Health tried
for many years to do. *The incidence of diarrheal diseases was greatly
reduced,* according to Rafael Alcides Huezo, an MOH health promoter for
Puerto Parada, in Canton Las Salinas, Department of Usulután-.

His testimony serves to demonstrate the changes that took place in this
area. A town characterized by high levels of pollution due to excreta,
improved little by little. It was a highly unattended area, which caused
a bad impression for tourism.

People from Puerto Parada solicited a water project, but did not find an
immediate product. **USAID/CARE** afterwards provided support and
assistance through project **MAS** to construct a water system. But the
aid did not end there. The project was developed with even more benefits
for the community including the construction of composting latrines, and
health education to provide a proper usage and maintenance to the
composting latrines. These activities brought forth development to the
town.

But, the most important aspect here is that the population is healthier
nowadays. Washable latrines were the most popular in the region, but at
the same time were the biggest cause of pollution since the excreta were
thrown with no treatment to the bay. Then **CARE**, using funds from
**USAID/MITCH** reconstruction funds, took advantage of the approval of
the Potable water System for the area to promote the elimination of the
old and damaged system.

The Project proposed to benefit only those persons who destroyed their
washable latrines so MAS could change them for composting latrines. This
was a topic which stirred up a big polemic, but with time turned to
satisfaction, being the current percentage of acceptance of 95%. To
achieve this result, a lot of information was provided and health
education activities had to be carried out in the community as a
coordinated effort among CARE, MOH and the local municipality.

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="1.94375in"
height="1.4722222222222223in"}This effort was considered to be a great
success for the people of Puerto Parada, since MAS achieved what the
municipality and the Ministry of Health individually, searched for many
years.

Puerto Parada is now more beautiful than ever, and it shows its best
side during vacation season. The population was trained on the proper
use and maintenance of composting latrines, breastfeeding education
imparted by CALMA (a local Health NGO), excavation of ditches, and has
also, received food for work from SIEGA. Its project also benefited the
neighboring communities, who have built the same latrines and have a
potable water system which benefits hundreds of Salvadoran families.

This is how Puerto Parada was improved, being its biggest improvement
the change to composting latrines. "Well, I have a composting latrine,
we have to preach through example. The composting latrine has improved
our quality of life, and if we provide them with good use and
maintenance we will improve even more", says Rafael, referring to the
happiness he feels for the change that MAS brought to their lives.