Creating Infrastructure to Support Community Development
The Makoce Na Mni Waste (Good Earth & Water) project is a collaborative effort made possible by a Community Innovation Grant from the Bush Foundation.
The Challenge
The infrastructure systems on the Pine Ridge Reservation were developed by a mix of tribal programs and federal government agencies without an overarching plan. Water, wastewater, and solid waste management systems on the Reservation are disconnected and in need of repair. There is no trial coordinating entity to plan and develop new infrastructure, which makes it difficult to build new houses and other developments.
The Solution
The Makoce Na Mni Waste project will bring tribal stakeholders and federal agencies together to set up efficient and effective water, wastewater, and solid management systems under a new type of management entity. The new entity will be responsible for operations, maintenance, upgrades, and new infrastructure planning and development.
In addition the project will:
- Conduct planning and fundraising to upgrade and expand current facilities and infrastructure for new housing and business development.
- Implement environmentally friendly and economically positive practices impacting water, sewer and solid waste (including irrigation), recycling, and conservation.