Volunteers working on the repairs. Credit: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles.– Since the maintenance and repair work began on the Chapel of the Rosary, the group working on the project realized that the damage was greater than what was estimated before they began the restoration. Additional damage was found after work began; the workers found more cracks than they had initially noticed. 

In an interview with Semanario Laguna, Josué Ramos, the current president of the volunteer group Sumando Voluntades, shared that the original project budget was $850,000 pesos (about US$42,000). After the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) evaluated the building they said it could probably be repaired for less. Ramos asserted that a budget of $1,000,000 (US$50,000) is more feasible as they may uncover additional work that needs to be done. The group has only raised about $500,000 pesos (US$25,000).

Work is in progress inside the chapel. Credit: Josué Ramos.

«INAH suggested only filling cracks and repairing the water damage in the roof, but we also want to fix the structural problems including reinforcing the structure, and the foundation. This will be evaluated after INAH’s visit, which will ensure that the structure remains as faithful as possible to its original design,» added Ramos. Another member of the group, treasurer Mónica Gutiérrez, assured that despite being more damage than they expected, they are already seeking bids to buy the necessary material to fill the cracks, and continue with the work on the roof.

The committee of Sumando Voluntades recently restructured after the death of their former president, Armando. The new officers are: president and architect Josué Ramos, secretary Juan Antonio Miramontes, and treasurers Monica Gutierrez and Honorata Gómez. To make donations, you can go to «Pollería Gutiérrez” in Ajijic, where one of the treasurers is located. You can also donate by going to any BBVA bank; use bank account number 4152 3137 0415 7622 in the name of Honorata Gómez to donate.

Translated by Amy Esperanto