Salémata Latrine Project – Senegal

Location
Salémata, Kedougou Region, Senegal

Community Description
Salémata is a large village located in the region of Kedougou in southeastern Senegal. The village has a population of approximately 3,000.

In 2009, Salémata formally became a department, which now consists of six rural communities, hence creating a total population of approximately over 10,000 for the whole zone.

The population is split between the Pular, Mandinka and the Bassari ethnic groups. Agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy which primarily produces rice, corn, millet, onion, cotton and peanuts. The herding and selling of livestock also is a prime factor in their economy.

Over the past years, a large percentage of the men have left to work in the Saraya mines to be able to provide for their families. In addition, families depend on those who have migrated to larger cities or to Europe to send money.

This year Salémata built a 6-classroom high school. However, the lack of latrines has posed a problem for the students, leaving them to defecate in nearby fields and compounds or to return home, when needing to go to the bathroom.

Project Description
This project will build 6 latrines, 3 for males and 3 for females, at the new high school in Salémata.

The latrines will be dived into two blocks of stalls, with three blocks each. Each latrine will be 2 meters deep, containing metal rebar of sizes 8 and 6 and wood for support. Each latrine will be enclosed by cement walls with a zinc roof, which will help with its durability during the rainy season.

The Association of Parents of the high school will be heading the project, supervising the quality and schedule.

The work will proceed as follows:

  • Week 1: Digging of the holes
  • Week 2: Purchase and transport of the materials to Salémata
  • Week 3: Mason labor
  • Week 4: Completion of mason labor plus monitor and evaluation

Water Charity funds will pay for the mason labor, the materials such as cement, rebar, sand, and zinc, and the cost of transporting the materials from Kedougou to Salémata.

Members of the community will provide the non-skilled labor, including digging, without charge.

Project Impact
The construction of these latrines will benefit over 750 students in the coming school year.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Jessica Frye

Comments
This is an important project for the health and well-being of the students, teachers and staff. It will improve the learning environment by keeping the students on the grounds during the school day.

Jessica previously completed the Sall Nabe Women’s Group Well Project – Senegal.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you “naming rights”, if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of the Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$555.00

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.