Latrine Construction and Training – Panama
This project is for the construction of individual latrines in a small community in the mountains of Panama. In addition the community will receive training in construction techniques and hygiene.
This small community is made up of indigenous subsistence farmers who raise corn, beans rice and coffee. It is a steep 2-hour hike from the nearest road. Currently no latrines exist in the community and people defecate in open pits or in the surrounding hills, creeks and rivers.
This project was chosen by the community members as being of primary importance to the welfare of the village. The community is contributing 57% of the total budget.
The project is being coordinated by Peace Corps Volunteer Andrea Newman.
The latrine design includes a moveable floor. When the latrine is full, the floor can be placed over a new hole, and a tree can be planted over the old hole.
Project sustainability lies in the training the community will receive in both construction techniques and in health issues and disease prevention. Additional training will include latrine use, water treatment, and maintenance.
The participation of Water Charity in this project has now been funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
Any donations using the Donate button below will go toward additional water and sanitation projects in Panama.
This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of this project, CLICK HERE.
Conclusion of Latrine Construction and Training Project – Panama
This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Andrea Newman. To read about the beginning of this project, CLICK HERE.
Andrea reports:
The project benefited the community of Bajo Membrillo, which is located in a valley of the Comarca Ngabe-Bugle (the equivalent of an indigenous reservation with the political rights of a state) in the highlands of Panama.
9 families live in Bajo Membrillo and none had a latrine. When we began the project only one man had mixed cement. I am proud to say that today, every family has one or two men who learned how to mix cement, construct a latrine floor and use a metal mold to create the latrine seat. They are proud, too.
It seems sexist that only the men mixed the cement, but it keeps with the cultural norms of the area. The women helped to carry the supplies, and are educating their children on the correct use of the latrine. They are particularly grateful.
Just last week I hiked to the community and made sure walls had been placed around the latrine, the last requirement before the beneficiaries could claim their zinc roofs. All 9 latrines now have walls and roofs!
Andrea reported that the funds stretched much farther than she had imagined. She was therefore able to building 11 more latrines in her own community!
In all, it is estimated that 120 persons are benefiting from the construction of these 20 latrines.
We are grateful for the funding provided by Six Senses Resorts & Spas.
