Challenge::

The 19th April Township is an area located next to the La Valdeza quarry and Preval’s administration offices, with very important social necessities. In 2011 we saw an opportunity to support the township and improve living conditions for its inhabitants. We channelled our social responsibility towards the community using a study to identify their most important needs. A solution was then provided that benefitted both the organisation and the community.

Fully aware of the need to keep the road between our neighbouring villages next to the La Valdeza crushing plant in good condition, one of the most important and immediate actions taken was the improvement and maintenance of the road infrastructure in the 19th April Township.

Solutions::

Different steps were taken to improve the township’s infrastructure. This included unearthing power lines, widening the entrance to the village and a number of sections of road, preparing ditches, sewers, surfacing the road and building a caisson type bridge at the entrance to the township.

This road is over one kilometre long and seven metres wide. It connects the main Inter-American highway to the 19th April Township and the La Valdeza Township.

The caisson bridge at the entrance to the 19th April township is 23 metres long and seven metres wide. Previously, the bridge had been fitted with larger diameter pipes (60 inches). Due to damage to the piping as a result of frequent blockages, it was decided to erect a caisson type bridge to prevent accumulation of garbage from residents further upstream.

While the bridge was being built, the town’s main drinking water pipeline was improved, by fitting a PVC ball valve to enable better control and management of the piping system that supplies drinking water to the 19th April and La Valdeza (partially) Townships.

Once work on the caisson bridge had been completed, several metres of ditches upstream and downstream were cleaned to avoid obstructions and the road between the 19th April and La Valdeza Townships was surfaced with asphalt.

These actions were carried out within the framework of measures prescribed in the Public Highways Maintenance Plan and designed to keep roads passable by improving drainage and preventing deterioration.

Results::

Preval and the neighbouring communities have developed a close relationship of mutual trust and respect over time. This has happened through constant dialogue which both sides contribute to to ensure the understanding and co-operation necessary for happy coexistence. The participation of the Township in community projects, as well as the interest in each resident’s continual development, leads to a strong and responsible business/community relationship that highlights the important work carried out in everybody’s benefit.

Throughout its history, Preval has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the town, by undertaking maintenance of road infrastructures, providing modern solutions to its increasing needs, entering into collaboration agreements and participating in local events.