Location
Paymar Hamady Bidey, Keur Madiabel, Kaolack Region, Senegal
Community Description
Paymar Hamady is a Pulaar village about 40 km south of Kaolack. It is 9 km on bush roads to the nearest road town of Keur Madiabel. People in the area typically make their living farming peanuts, millet, and sorghum as well as through animal husbandry. Because it is a common occupation, the demand for these products is low as are the prices making it difficult to supply even some of the most basic needs.
The most common health concern in the Keur Madiabel area is diarrheal illnesses. One cause of that is open defecation. Flies land on feces, and carry around diseases. They then land on food, causing diarrheal disease. Diarrhea is especially bad for children, as their immune systems are not as strong as that of adults. One method of decreasing the high levels of diarrhea and putting an end to the oral-fecal cycle is the construction of latrines with proper ventilation systems.
Paymar Hamady is a village of about 250 people living in 13 compounds. Sadly, the village contains only 2 latrines. Neither of the latrines is properly ventilated to reduce the number of flies entering and leaving the pit. Also, due to the low number of latrines, most villagers resort to defecating in the fields where they work.
Project Description
This project is to construct 13 latrines, one for each compound.
The latrines will be a simple unlined pit latrines. Members of each household throughout the village will dig a hole 2 meters deep and 1 meter wide. They will collect the sand and rock required to mix with the cement. They will also be responsible for the transportation of materials from Keur Madiabel.
A mason from a nearby village will make the platforms. The cement caps will be constructed by laying rebar within a wood mold made of planks. The cement will then be poured into the mold and left to set. A ventilation tube will be installed into the cement cap of each latrine to reduce the number of flies entering and leaving the pit.
Each latrine will be enclosed in a fence made of either millet stalks or branches woven between posts. The type of enclosure is chosen by the household, which will be responsible for the construction.
After completion of the project, a training will be held on proper sanitation and prevention of diarrheal illnesses.
Project costs will cover the cement, iron for reinforcement of the platform, PVC pipe for ventilation, and the salary of the mason.
Project Impact
The 250 people occupying the village, distributed among 13 compounds, will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Rosanne Dunivan
Comments
This project will have a profound impact on a village that is presently almost devoid of latrines. Since each compound is participating, it will ensure complete community coverage. The extensive participation of all of the families, in labor, materials, and training, points toward sustainability.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$555.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation, with additional funds from Rosanne’s friends and family for future projects.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify the Peace Corps Volunteer of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV 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.