Integral Gasification
In 1999 a study was carried out on the inhabitants living in the Moreno Neighborhood of Greater Buenos Aires. The purpose of the study was to assess and understand the basic needs of the families living in the area. It was concluded that those living in Moreno were interested in exploring alternative solutions to enhance their poor infrastructure and limited access to public services. After examining various solutions, it was decided that natural gas would be the most beneficial mobilizing event.

The context: Why gas?

 

Infrastructures are seen as mobilizing events able to attract resources from various actors of supply and the promotion of demand. This methodology leaves, in addition to the work done, an installed ability to increase Social Capital from the regeneration of confidence between the neighbors.


The advantages of a gas network:

  • The living conditions of families improve considerably. Hot water and heating are readily available, and it allows a healthier and more efficient way of cooking food.

  • A gas network can also generate savings by eliminating the use of the more expensive, combustible forms of gas: the portable cylinders cost 4 to 10 times the amount more than gas that comes through the gas line.

  • There is no longer a dependence on individual gas cylinders which are unreliable and need to be refilled regularly. This provides the inhabitants with a greater level of comfort and security in the sense that they no longer need to go out to buy cylinders or have to worry about running out of gas.

  • Increase in house prices.

  • Health risks are significantly reduced, respiratory related illnesses in particular.
  • Gas is an eco-friendly form of energy that reduces more carbon monoxide emissions compared to firewood, coal, and kerosene.

  • For those families who do not have a document of ownership, formal gas payments are a step forwards towards a legitimate claim of house possession.

 

Why a Trust fund?

Transparent management of the resources was a key issue. After a large revue of the different formats that could fit the project's needs, we decided that a trust fund system would be the best way for the resources, coming from different sources, be brought together for a unique aim.

 

 

The trust fund projects.

The Foundation is involved in the support and the management of four gas projects in the North western area of Greater Buenos Aires.

 

. Fideicommis Redes Solidarios (Solidarity Networks Trust Fund)

In 2001, the Foundation’s first gas project was launched. The project was financed by a USD 250000 donation on behalf of the World Bank for winning the “Development Market Place Award”, and FONCAP which made a contribution of 3 million pesos equivalent to USD 1000000 for the work to be carried out. FONCAP was also responsible for the management of the funds. The Solidarity Networks Trust fund project works with Comunidad Organizada (a local community organization) who work to promote the gas projects, empower neighborhood unions, organizations and living improvements. The project consists of 224 blocks and 4.330 families.

 

Neighbors' union in action (Union de Vecinos en Accion)

 

“The Trust fund project Neighbor's Union in Action” started in August 2004. It is different from the first Trust fund project because the community organizations are the protagonists and promoters of the project, neighbors are in charge of promotion, organized in a neighborhoods' commission. This program takes place in Mayor del Pino, Don Sancho, Irigoin, San Alberto, Milenio and San Norberto neighborhoods, all located in the city of Cuartel V (second belt of Greater Buenos Aires), an association of neighbors has been created- Union de Vecinos en Accion- coordinated by Fundacion Pro Vivienda. When the funds are made available the foundation will be attending to 4.039 houses.

 

Union Por los Vecinos


The Trust fund project “Union por los Vecinos” started in August 2007 and is located in the neighborhoods of La Loma, San Carlos and Jardines 1, which are part of Moreno in Greater Buenos Aires. It Consists of a group of FPVS coordinated neighbors, organized setting up a gasification program formalized through the “Union por los Vecinos” Trust fund, whose work has already gone through to the second stage of the process.

Gasification Project Neighborhoods of Union and Future (Barrios de Union y Futuro - BUyF)

“Neighborhoods for union and future” is a project that was pushed through in 2007, by the inhabitants of the 25 de Mayo neighborhood. The initiative was motivated by the fact that the adjacent neighborhood, coordinated by FPVS, were soon to receive natural gas in the area. BUF got in touch to find out how they could succeed and assess the possibility of having natural gas in their neighborhoods. Several necessary studies about the technical feasibility have been carried out to continue pending gasification tasks. The result was positive. The program plans to provide access to natural gas networks to 3.100 families in these three neighborhoods. Since, the representative Commission of Neighbors has been composed, and the latter are currently working with FPVS in making sure the program is carried out.