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Conclusion of Zamblala Community Latrine Project – Mali
This project was completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Pilar Lyons. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK
HERE.
This project was to build 30 improved latrines in a rural Minianka village.
Pilar reports:
The latrine project has been completed.
The initial phase involved the purchase of the brick mold in the capitol and the first wave of supplies in the local city. After that, cement was purchased as necessary.
The actual process began when each household spent 2-3 days digging the latrine pit and collecting the raw materials. The trained Water and Sanitation Committee member then arrived with the cement, brick mold, rebar, and tools necessary to construct the bricks and slab, making sure to measure the dimensions of the pit and its distance from the closest well.
After that, the household had to water the bricks and slab every day for a week. During that week, the soak away pit was also dug.
At the end of the week, the committee member returned to lay the bricks and add the slab. At this time, the remaining floor space in the latrine was covered with a layer of concrete and the rocks and pipe were installed in the soak away pit.
The project built the skills of training committee members in masonry techniques and project design and management. In addition, each household in the community learned latrine maintenance and is now able to practice simple masonry techniques often used in sanitation work.
We again wish to thank The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding for this project.
This summer the Peace Corps community has an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary effort to improve our communities through volunteer service.
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