VIllages in Piura

Most of the villages in Piura, Peru have houses made from either bamboo or locally available materials. The residents built houses wherever they like and they abandon the houses when they move out. There are no proper sanitary system or garbage disposal. You can see garbage on the side of the road wherever you travel. The road system are mostly unpaved road. So, it is quite a bumpy ride to visit all these villages.

I have the opportunity to visit some of the villages on the outskirt of Piura, Peru.

Rural Piura

On the way to build houses; view from the back of the trunk

The parish of Santisimo Sacramento constantly helps the residents of  San Jacinto, La Legua, La Piedra and other districts.  They coordinate and send some its missionaries out to help build houses. These houses are for villagers that don't have enough resources or supplies to have a decent home. This service is made possible through donations from the US. Many families that can't build their own homes are still waiting patiently for their new homes. Usually, a single home can be put up within a day and lasts for 8 years, a very good investment. It is a much bigger and better than the previous house. Each house is made with a tin roof, bamboo mats for walls, bamboo beams for the supporting structure, and wooden frames to ensure that the house is sturdy.

Bamboo supply store

Different types and quality of stoves that the family uses before getting help from the missionary.

Cooking food with a simple stove on the ground.



Using empty oil drum as table to put the stove at waist level for easier cooking.



Stove donated by the sponsored family.

Donations also improve the quality of life. This means that with only $25 a month, a family can spend less on food and more on other supplies such a refrigerator. All of us take refrigerators for granted, but a fridge to a family means they are able to prevent food from spoilage.  They can enjoy cold drinks and a wider variety of fresh foods too.

Pots and pans are hung on the bamboo wall. Kitchen opens to the back of the house.

Pots and pans are nicely piled up on the makeshift stand.

A fridge! One of the family has a refrigerator at their house. 

The money is donated by their sponsor from United States.

Different  stages of living quarters of the Peruvian villages. Most of the houses are in stages of  dilapitation because they could not afford to repair and upgrade their house.

Typical house in the village.

Bedroom with part of the roof fallen.

Narrow walkway from the kitchen to the front of the house. Space is enough for only one person to walk through. Bedroom is on the left.

Nicer bedroom with mosquito nettings. Money donated by families in the United States.

Peruvian children at the village.