Latrine Building Project – Benin
This is a project to construct eight family latrines in a rural community in Benin. It is being carried out under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Dennis Chon, together with members of the community.
The construction will take place at Akodebakou (ah-ko-deh-bah-koo), a thirty minute bike ride from where Dennis lives. Latrines will be built in four neighborhoods.
The process was started with the designation of the families that will participate. A significant commitment was required of the families, which included not only a contribution of labor and materials, but also participation in health and hygiene instruction. Topics will include proper hygiene, the importance of latrines, and proper maintenance and usage.
Each family will provide the labor for the digging of the pits and other materials, such as stones and gravel, according to ability.
The construction technique incorporates concrete blocks, which will be made on-site, for use as inner walls within the pits. Two teams will work cementing concrete blocks and placing latrine covers on all latrines built.
Project funds from Water Charity and other participants will be used to pay for the water (for mixing cement), sand, gravel, and cement. In addition, it will pay for the masons, the transportation of a latrine/building specialist, and PVC pipe to help aerate the latrines.
Once the latrines are built, families will be required to create a “wall” structure for their latrine to provide privacy. Most likely this will consist of reeds and/or palm leaves thatched together.
It is estimated that the family latrines will serve more than 50 people. These beneficiaries would not otherwise have the means to build the latrines for themselves. The result will be a significant decrease in gastrointestinal disease in the community.
To indicate your desire for your contribution to be allocated toward this project, please click the Donate button below.
This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of this project, CLICK HERE.
Conclusion of Latrine Building Project – Benin
This project has been successfully completed, under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Dennis Chon. To see the history of the project CLICK HERE.
The project was to construct eight family latrines in the rural community of Akodebakou, Benin. The technique was to use concrete blocks made on-site to line the pits to contain the waste.
Dennis reports that all of the latrines were completed according to plan, despite some delays due to roadblocks and a shortage of cement in the area.
Individual families were left to complete the latrines with privacy walls according to their own preference and on their own schedule.
Dennis had the opportunity to discuss latrine usage, latrine maintenance, and the importance of washing hands with the participants.
Dennis was able to finish this great project, within budget, on the eve of his completion of service with the Peace Corps. He is returning to California leaving his community a better place.
