Location
Morarano, Foulpointe commune, Tamatave II region, Madagascar
Community Description
Morarano is a rural village located 12 km southwest of the beach town of Foulpointe on the east coast of Madagascar. About 150 people live in the village center. However, the presence of an elementary school means 270 students come in from the surrounding hills on a daily basis.
The majority of people are rice farmers, who supplement their income with other crops such as cloves, coffee, litchi fruit, and bananas. The average per son earns a dollar a day.
As of 2005, Missouri Botanical Gardens has worked with the local forest association to protect the last remaining 220 hectares of endemic forest in the area. The park, known as Analalava, attracts tourists from Foulpointe and there is a hope that an increase in ecotourism can eventually benefit the local population.
The Morarano Well Project – Madagascar was recently completed in the village under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Andrew Bourret. Originally, it was anticipated that two wells would be required to adequately supply both the school and villagers with clean drinking water. However, after a period of monitoring and reassessment, it became apparent that the well provides plenty of water and the more pressing concern is a lack of latrines in the village.
Currently, the only proper latrine existing in the village was built for Andrew. Everyone else does their business in shallow pits or in the forest on the outskirts of living areas. With the presence of a new well in the village, it is important now more than ever that the villagers protect their clean water source from leeching and contamination.
Project Description
This project is to build two new public latrines, with lined and displaced pits and ventilation. The facilities will be made available for use by the students and villagers.
The same school teacher and community health worker, who helped with the well, are collaborating with Andrew to complete this project. The school teacher already has experience digging latrines in other villages as his job during school vacation.
In addition, a nearby water sanitation NGO is being consulted for technical guidance.
Water Charity funds will be used to purchase toilet basins, tools, piping, cement and other lining materials, and wages for specialized technicians should a problem arise.
Villagers will volunteer their time in shifts, helping with construction. After completion of the project, Andrew will teach sanitation practices related to the upkeep of the facilities.
Project Impact
350 people will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Andrew Bourret
Comments
This project results from careful planning and a prioritization of needs by the villagers. It is an example of the interrelationship of water and sanitation in providing for the public health of a community.
Dollar Amount of Project
$400.00
Donations Collected to Date
$400.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Andrew Bourret.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Andrew of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Andrew 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.