This project is made possible through the partnership of Water Charity and the National Peace Corps Association. 
Location
Salemata Region, Kedougou, Senegal
Community Description
Salemata is an agricultural village of over 600 people in the Kedougou region of Senegal. This is where the project originated but because of the extensive need in the region for appropriate sanitation facilities, 5 other villages will be included as well. All are rural subsistence villages that are quite remote. The region of Kedougou is in the southern corner of Senegal very far from the capital. As such it is often an underserved area neglected by development agencies and other organizations.
This project is of the highest priority for these communities. Currently, latrines are nonexistent and diarrhea is the number one killer in children under five, according to local health data. These communities have high rates of diarrheal diseases, most likely caused by a lack of latrines and clean water. The lack of basic sanitation and access to clean water is a serious hindrance to their advancement and their sincere ambitions for a better life.
Problem Addressed
Currently, there are no latrines in any of the villages, which creates a health and sanitation concern not only for individuals but for the surrounding community as well. Often residents must walk to the fields to relieve themselves, which contributes to the spread of diarrheal diseases.
Project Description
This project will build 21 latrines in six rural villages. Each latrine will be built using rebar and cement to ensure longevity. Each latrine will be dug to a minimum dimension of 2m x 2m x 2m and will include a privacy bamboo fence or brick structure.
Each community is responsible for a 10% monetary contribution, collecting sand and gravel, transporting materials and latrine construction. Water Charity funds will be used to purchase the necessary materials at the local hardware store in Salemata to ensure that the local economy benefits from this project as well.
Additionally, health and sanitation trainings will be held in all of the villages, focusing on hand washing and diarrhea prevention. At least twenty women and ten men will be trained in proper water care and sanitation. Once trained this core group of community members will extend the techniques and knowledge gained to the rest of the community. This project will improve sanitation and overall health for many communities in need.
Project Impact
Over 180 men, women and children will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Alia Kroos
Monitoring and Maintenance
Each latrine owner will be trained on latrine construction and maintenance. Communal latrines will be cleaned and maintained by community members on a rotating basis.
Comments
This project will result in improved health through the adoption of hygienic sanitation practices in daily activities. Access to communal latrines will reduce, and hopefully over time eliminate, open defecation in the area. Additionally, this project will create interest in surrounding communities and encourage them to adopt similar practices.
This project is part of our Western Africa Water & Sanitation Program.
Fundraising Target
$550
Donations Received
$550
Dollar Amount Needed
$0 – This project has been paid for through the generosity of the Weiss family.
Additional donations will be used to implement more projects in Senegal.
This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.
