Conclusion of Village Improvement Project – Fiji

Conclusion of Village Improvement Project – FijiThis project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer N. Parker. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to construct a drainage system in a village that experienced landslides and flooding, as part of a larger community development and sanitation effort.

Numerous people worked together for a month to complete the job. Work during the day was broken up with lunch prepared by women of the community, who also contributed to the project by carrying sand from the bay to mix with the cement.

In the construction of the V-drain, there was previously only one person with experience in that type of construction, but the work proceeded well. The community learned a lot about planning, development, construction, and health in carrying out the project.

The community dealt with the potential problem of greywater washing down the slopes into the ocean. The drain was situated such that the water could be absorbed by plants with a fibrous root system, which worked to purify the water.

The community now collects small amounts of money to be reserved for recurring costs, upkeep, and repairs, so the project will be self-sustaining.

The project was successful, and now provides a direct benefit to 56 people in the village.