SWOPblogger

See the Video at KOB.com.

The ceremonial ground breaking allowed residents to reflect on the achievement Saturday

A project eight years in the making has broken ground in northern New Mexico which should bring water to Pajarito Mesa.

The water facility, when finished, will supply drinking water to about 400 families living in the area. Those residents have had to drive for miles to obtain water.

While residents will still have to transport the water from the new station to their homes, they will no longer have to buy it from neighboring areas.

The new water system will work with key cards, allowing access only to tax-paying residents.

Pajarito Mesa currently has no basic utilities, including electricity. Sandra Montes, a leader with the Southwest Organizing Project, said Saturday's groundbreaking was a turning point for the community as they develop their infrastructure.

"This event, for us, is very important. It's a first step in getting the basics we need up here," she said.

The water station is being helped along with a $500,000 grant. Organizers expect it to begin operation next year.

Labels: community organizing, Pajarito Mesa, Water