Location
Datcha is located in the region Plateau in Togo. Its prefecture is Ogou, 2 kilometers south of the regional capitol Atakpamé, along the national highway.
Community Description
Datcha is an agricultural community, with most families living off of what they grow. Only about 1 in 15 families has latrines. According to local health officials in the area, the lack of proper sanitary infrastructure is the number one contributor to illness.
Project Description
This project is to construct two public ECOSAN latrines in Datcha. The first will be in the small everyday market along the highway, which receives much foot traffic. The second will be in the center of the village.
ECOSAN, or “ecological sanitation” latrines have two pits where the contents of the first pit are allowed to decompose while the second pit is used. By the time the second pit is full, the first pit can be dug out and the compost used for gardening.
Ecological sanitation is based on three fundamental principles:
- Preventing pollution rather than attempting to control it
- Sanitizing the urine and feces, and
- Using the safe products for agricultural purposes
The ECOSAN is constructed above ground, and the feces are prevented from coming into contact with the soil and underground water sources. No water is needed for its use.
Project Impact
The latrines will be accessible to about 7,000 people in Datcha and the surrounding villages. Approximately 50 villagers will be involved in the construction, and about 600 will be directly affected.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Laura Groggel
Comments
Because of the agricultural lifestyle of Datcha, a project of ECOSAN latrines is a perfect fit. It will be accompanied by hygiene and health education, so it will immediately have an impact on disease.
The project uses a technology proven to be effective in the region. It can be replicated, as workers are being trained in the building technique. Once built, the latrines will require little maintenance, thus assuring sustainable use in the community.
Dollar Amount of Project
$500
Donations Collected to Date
$500.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of the Green Club of Bayside High School, New York, New York, USA.
You may continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Laura Groggel of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Laura and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in Togo.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.