Reconstruction of a pedestrian bridge in the kichwa-lamista native community of Santa Cruz
A few years ago, our beloved healer Edgardo Tuanama, who has accompanied many of you in ayahuasca ceremonies and master plant diets, launched a community initiative in his hometown of Santa Cruz, a Kichwa-Lamista community located in the district of San José de Sisa, San Martín region.
Edgardo enthusiastically decided to build a pedestrian bridge that would connect two sections of the community separated by a ravine.
Faced with a lack of support from local authorities, he and his family took on the project with their own resources and with the valuable support of some friends of Takiwasi, who contributed with donations.
Unfortunately, the heavy rains of November 2024 caused a massive flooding, which completely destroyed the bridge, which had been built with so much effort.
After a period of reflection, Edgardo has made the firm decision to rebuild the bridge, aware of the vital importance this infrastructure represents for his community.
Why is this bridge important ?
This bridge will not only facilitate pedestrian and motorcycle access, but will also allow children and teachers to attend school regularly, and farmers to more easily reach the village market to sell their products. We estimate that approximately 15 Indigenous families will directly benefit from this connection.
The construction of the bridge will have a particularly positive impact on the elderly and infirm, who currently face great difficulty crossing the ravine, which prevents them from receiving timely care in emergencies.
To make this project a reality, the Santa Cruz community members have organized into a committee. With the advice of a civil engineer, technical plans and budgets (see the plans) were drawn up to build a reinforced suspension bridge using steel cables, corrugated iron, and other resistant structures to ensure its durability even in extreme weather conditions.
The estimated cost of materials for this project is approximately € 15,500 euros (S/. 64,000 soles), of which Takiwasi has already contributed € 1,000 euros. The workforce will be provided by the community members themselves, as part of their commitment and active participation in the development of their community.
Key Data
- Location: Santa Cruz Community, San José de Sisa District, San Martín Region, Peru.
- Residents benefited: 15 families, approximately 70 people.
- Direct benefits: secure access to healthcare, education, and commerce.
December 2025 update: goal achieved!
The reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge in the native Kichwa-Lamista community of Santa Cruz is now a reality! The work progressed with great enthusiasm and, thanks to the generous support of many people, friends of Takiwasi, the community was able to successfully complete the project. Today, the bridge is already being used by community members.
Heartfelt thanks for your generous support!
Photo Gallery
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