Project Launch: 10-30-15

In the neighboring villages of Dassilame Soce, Boutilimite, and Saroudia, approximately half of the households do not have bathrooms. For the households that do, they are mostly homemade and routinely collapse during the rainy season. Additionally, neither of the local schools has a functional bathroom for the area’s 400 students. Lastly, all the area wells are uncovered and recent tests have shown high rates of e-coli in the water. This project will improve sanitation and access to clean water among the villages by building 13 household ventilated pit latrines and covering ten wells. Handwashing stations will be built next to each latrine. A local hygiene committee will be formed to oversee the project and educate the community about maintaining and cleaning the wells and caring for the latrines and handwashing stations, in addition to leading workshops on water, sanitation and hygiene.

Project Update

Per the community's request, the project built 11 household latrines as well as latrines at the local French and Arabic school. Due to the community's enthusiasm, the latrines were built very quickly, with each latrine outfitted with walls and a roof to offer extra protection and security. Additionally, a local blacksmith crafted 10 new well covers and the local water and sanitation groups were trained on how to maintain them. Community members participated in educational workshops focused on water, sanitation, hygiene, and proper latrine care, and students at both the Arabic and French school learned about proper handwashing from their principals and the local chief of hygiene.

Testimonials

"Now that women have access to a latrine, they will have more privacy. They also won't have to empty their toddler's trainer bowls in the woods. The well covers will protect villagers from bacterial diseases and parasites, which are especially dangerous to children under the age of 5. This project is a really great thing for the village, and the community is really grateful." - Ben, Project Leader

"We're really happy that this project is happening. Before, my latrines would only last about a year before collapsing during the rainy season. Now we won't have to dig a new one every year." - Yamadou, Project Beneficiary

"I'm really happy to receive a latrine. My family has been going to the woods ever since I can remember. This latrine is going to put an end to that, which will be especially great during rainy season." - Mafoudji, Project Beneficiary