This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Laura Perez. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build 16 latrines in the community.
Laura reports:
The project was completed in less than one month, at the end of July.
Upon receipt of the funds, some of the men from my village and I started purchasing the supplies from the Kaffrine market the same day. In 3 days, we bought the 16 bags of cement, 70 kg of iron, 3 kg of wire, and 16 wood platforms.
As soon as all of the supplies were transported to Affe Tidiane by several horse carriages, the mason, Abdoulaye Willan started working. It took him only 2 days to build the 16 metal frames.
Afterward, with the help from his friend, he dug the 16 holes necessary for the latrines. It looked like a lot of work to dig 16 two-meter holes in the ground, but the mason worked fast because he wanted to finish everything before the rainy season really started.
Once each individual family paid their part of the fee and brought the sand to mix with the cement, the mason started building the latrines. Abdoulaye Willan averaged about 2-3 latrines per day.
As soon as the latrines were built, most families built fences around their latrines for privacy purposes. Overall, the project was a success and not stressful at all because everyone was really cooperative.
I had many people thank me, telling me that they appreciate their new latrines. Before this project, there were only 3 latrines for 300 people. Now, there are 19 latrines. Hopefully, this project will dramatically reduce the number of certain illnesses.
Additionally, as soon as I had found out that RPCVs from Senegal in the ’70s had donated the money for the project, I told everyone in my village. I think it makes them happy that even after all this time, there are RPCVs that still care about their country’s well-being.
We are grateful to Laura for completing this terrific project, and again wish to thank Karen Shaines, and Nate Spiller and his colleagues, for providing the funds.
