Latrines Project in Ghana
This is a project to build two 10-stall latrines in a fishing village on the coast of Ghana. The approximately 1,000 residents of the community depend solely on fishing and coconut farming for their livelihood. They live, work and play in an extremely unsanitary environment, with a resulting high incidence of intestinal disease.
Currently the beach is used as the latrine. As a result, spots of human excreta can be seen all around the seashores. On any given day, one finds vultures and flies feeding on the human waste, as well as children playing and fishermen working in the same beach area.
Through community meetings the village decided to build two 10- stall latrines, one on each side of the community. This will lead to a sanitary work area for the fishermen and a serene playing area for the children, and will serve to prevent the spread of disease.
The community will construct the latrines, and will provide 56% of the total cost of the project. After completion, the community will charge a small fee for the use of the latrines, and the money collected will go to the maintenance of the facilities.
The project will be directed by Peace Corps Volunteer Amanda Herring, who will ensure that the project is completed on schedule and within budget.
Ghana was the first country in the world to welcome Peace Corps Volunteers, with the first group arriving in 1961. Since that time, more than 3,700 Volunteers have served there.
This project uses technology that is appropriate to the needs of the community. It results in the rapid elimination of a critical public health problem. It demonstrates a technology that can be replicated elsewhere. Finally, the collection of a maintenance fee from the users guarantees sustainability.
This project has been funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as the major contributor, as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
Any additional donations using the Donate button below will be used to fund other projects by this PCV and/or other PCVs in the host country.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.
Conclusion of Latrines Project – Ghana
This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Amanda Herring. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK
HERE.
This project was to build two 10-stall latrines in a fishing village on the coast of Ghana.
Amanda reports:
After they began digging the pits for the latrines, the energy and excitement in the village was indescribable. All of the labor was contributed by the community, working together to complete this vital project. I was very happy with the motivation and teamwork, which stayed high during the entire time.
Project funds were used to pay for materials, including roofing, lumber, cement, pipe, paint, brushes, hinges, and nails, as well as for transport of materials to the job sites.
A community member was selected to take care of the latrines. He will collect nominal amounts from persons using the latrines, to be utilized for upkeep and maintenance. He also will keep the latrines and grounds clean.
Community members came to my door at 5:00 in the morning to give me bananas, plantains, and oranges to thank me for the latrines. My friend Ama came to my room crying and hugging me. From the bottom of their hearts my village thanks you!
The two 10-stall latrines now stand at opposite ends of the community, and are used by all 1,000 residents. The project created a sanitary work area for the fishermen and a serene playing area for the children, and will continue to serve to prevent the spread of disease.
Please accept my sincerest thanks in supporting my village in our Community Latrine Project.
We are grateful to Amanda for completing this project, and again thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.