Location
Uyanga Soum, Ovorkhangai Aimag, Mongolia
Community Description
Uyanga Soum is large Mongolian community of over 10,000 people and a student population of 1,300 pupils. The entire community lives in either a wooden or Mongolian ger (yurt). There is 24-hour electricity (with the occasional power loss) and cell phone service available throughout the residential area, but no running water is available anywhere, with the exception of a single shower house.
Most people in Uyanga work as either a herder or miners in an unofficial mine 30 minutes away from the residential center. The area is rich in gold and copper deposits. Others run small stores, provide transportation services, work in banks, or are civil servants.
The one latrine at Uyanga Secondary School is built over a pit about one-meter deep. There is a constant strong odor which results from the pit being dug too shallow.
Mongolia is subject to harsh winters where the ground is frozen for over six months of the year. Fecal matter freezes and collects rather than deteriorates. Every year a large pile of frozen feces collects and peeks out of the squatting hole.
A sanitary and safe restroom is essential to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and raise the standard of life in the community.
Project Description
This project is to build a ventilated pit latrine at the school.
The plan is an adaptation of the Blair Latrine, popular in Africa, to the Mongolian environment. The design has a vent, like a chimney, which connects the pit with the outside air.
The latrine will be four meters deep with a wooden skeleton to maintain the pit’s integrity. A cement floor will be placed on top of the pit with a wooden structure on top. A brick chimney leading from the pit to above the wooden latrine structure will ventilate, removing foul odors.
The cement floor is necessary to hold the block vent and prevent odors and flies from escaping the pit. A screen will be placed at the top of the chimney to prevent flies from breeding and entering the community. An aluminum waste bin with a cover will be installed for easy paper disposal.
The latrine will be built by the Uyanga School Staff led by Peace Corps
Volunteer Terrence Edwards. The latrine will be maintained with regular use of ash and sawdust.
This project is a pilot for future latrine building projects headed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report at the completion of this project will have a direct influence on latrine construction by the WHO around the country.
Project funds will be used for materials, such as wood, brick, cement, iron wire, plastic tarp, nails, screws, and paint. In addition, funds will be used to purchase tools and transport tools and materials as necessary.
Project Impact
1300 people will benefit from the project, consisting of students, faculty, and staff.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Terrence Edwards
Comments
Unique solutions to sanitation problems are required for this harsh environment. This is a well-planned project, using appropriate technology. It has wide community support and utilizes the labor of the community. As a model project, its success will be replicated.
Dollar Amount of Project
$375.06
Donations Collected to Date
$375.06 + additional funds for future projects
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Steven Aurigema II, of West Babylon, NY, USA, with the help of friends and family of PCV Terrence Edwards.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will advise Terrence of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Terrence and/or those of other PCVs in Mongolia.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.