This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Lewis Kiker.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build a public latrine for the community center.
Lewis reports:
The latrine at the Nhlulweni KaGogo Center is up and functioning! The community really came together to construct the latrine at the community center, with various groups being able to help at different stages of construction.
Initially, the Rural Health Motivators (made up of 7 women and one man) utilized training they had received from an NGO to lay a slab for the floor of the latrine, complete with reinforcement bars, holes for two toilets, and a ventilation pipe.
While this was taking place, several members of the community (mostly young men) dug a hole 3.5 meters deep to collect the waste under the latrine. Once dried and ready to set, the slabs were placed over the hole and construction of the walls began.
The walls are made of concrete cinder blocks, with a concrete-based plaster going over both the inside and outside of the walls to ensure longevity. The roof was constructed using lumber gathered from a nearby forest and corrugated iron sheets to protect the structure.
This community center is used by around 200 people on a weekly basis for various meetings and functions in the community. Before this project, no toilet facilities existed and the surrounding grounds were used instead. Through this initiative, the community now has a healthy and safe alternative to use.
Because of the depth of the hole and the quality of the structure, the community believes this latrine will be in use for 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance.
The local government hospital had previously stated the need for proper sanitation at the center prior to further involvement in Nhlulweni with their mobile clinic. Since the completion of the project, the hospital has renewed investigation into bringing the clinic back to the community.
The community wishes to send a HUGE thanks to the donors and Appropriate Projects for their help in the completion of this long-needed project!
We are grateful to Lewis for completing the project and to The Andando Foundation for providing the funding.
