Village Improvement Project - Fiji
This project is a portion of a larger endeavor to raise the standard of living within a rural village of Fiji by creating a safer and healthier village environment.
Our project funds will be used for constructing a V-drain (a V-shaped cement drain) in an area prone to heavy water flow during rain. After the recent floods in Fiji, the village experienced landslides and flooding right up to some houses as a result of the hand-dug drains not being sufficient. A V-drain will be able to adequately handle a heavier flow of water and divert it away from houses.
Other work being done by the village includes building a cement footpath from one section of the village to another. Footpaths have been an ongoing project in the village, and the area targeted is the final priority area without a footpath. It is considered a priority by the village development committee because it is a heavily frequented place, and it becomes muddy and slippery after only a minimal amount of rainfall.
Finally, a cow fence will be constructed to house a number of village cows that are presently left to roam. Cow dung is prevalent around the outside of the village and is linked to health conditions such as leptospyrosis and typhoid. The dung is in areas where children play, and attracts flies that can pass on disease.
The work is being done under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer N. Parker. The village is contributing 38% of the total project cost.
The work being done has been identified by the village as of great importance to the safety and health of the people living there. The substantial commitment of labor and money by the community will ensure that the project components will be maintained into the future.
To make a donation for this project, click the Donate button below.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.
Conclusion of Village Improvement Project – Fiji
This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer N. Parker. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK
HERE.
The project was to construct a drainage system in a village that experienced landslides and flooding, as part of a larger community development and sanitation effort.
Numerous people worked together for a month to complete the job. Work during the day was broken up with lunch prepared by women of the community, who also contributed to the project by carrying sand from the bay to mix with the cement.
In the construction of the V-drain, there was previously only one person with experience in that type of construction, but the work proceeded well. The community learned a lot about planning, development, construction, and health in carrying out the project.
The community dealt with potential problem of greywater washing down the slopes into the ocean. The drain was situated such that the water could be absorbed by plants with a fibrous root system, which worked to purify the water.
The community now collects small amounts of money to be reserved for recurring costs, upkeep, and repairs, so the project will be self-sustaining.
The project was successful, and now provides a direct benefit to 56 people in the village.