Location
Kalesy, Ambonivato, Tamatave region, Madagascar
Community Description
The beautiful coastal community of Ambonivato is located about 8 miles outside of Tamatave, the second largest city in Madagascar. Though it is close to the city, it is still a very poor and rural village.
The economy is dominated by laborious rock mining and breaking. In fact, this resource is stated in the name – Ambonivato translates to “On the Rocks.” This commodity has drastically increased the population, as people move to the village looking for work.
This has been harmful to the community, as population growth and unsustainable practices have contributed to water pollution and deforestation. Many members of the community are passionate about these issues but struggle to find ways to improve them.
Firewood is collected for household uses, and charcoal is purchased for cooking. Deforestation is a resultant problem that the community is trying to address.
The village of Kalesy, with 150 households, has no latrines.
Project Description
This project is to build a public biogas toilet for the community.
A biogas toilet uses human waste as valuable resource that can be converted into two products: (1) gas for cooking and (2) fertilizer.
Micro-organisms in anaerobic conditions help to break down the organic waste and release gas that is captured and used for cooking fuel.
The system also has an output where decomposed waste is collected and used to make compost, or used directly around fruit trees
The system consists of a squatting style latrine and house structure, a septic tank where gas will be produced, a gas collection structure with pipes for distribution, a communal kitchen, and an output container for processed waste.
The work will be done by Sanitec, a sanitation organization with considerable experience in building latrines. This will ensure that all steps in the process are safe and hygienic.
Sanitec is donating labor and the squatting style water closet.
The community will donate labor, sand, rocks (if needed), and the latrine/community kitchen house structures.
Water Charity funds will be used to buy all other materials. This includes cement rings, cement, gas collection and distribution materials, water collection and storage materials, some kitchen materials, and possible transportation costs.
Project Impact
750 people will benefit from this project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Elizabeth Drouhard
Comments
This is an important project in many ways. It utilizes a large amount of community support. It builds upon the tremendous resources of a local NGO with experience in the methodology and the community. Finally, it demonstrates a technology that may be replicated in other areas.
A biogas toilet goes beyond the need for public sanitation. This project will not only help with community sanitation, but also help with environmental sustainability. The use of the gas for cooking conserves environmental resources. The use of composted waste will help improve the degraded land and increase yields.
Dollar Amount of Project
$755.00
Donations Collected to Date
$755 + additional amounts
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Hack and Slash and Katrina Drouhard.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Elizabeth of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Elizabeth and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.