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Dassa Family Latrine Project - Benin
Dassa-Zoumé is a burgeoning community located at the crossroads of Benin, in the region known as the Collines. Due to its unsurpassed beauty, ideal location, and availability of resources, population rates have been rapidly increasing, leading to overcrowding in poorer neighborhoods.
Nearly 3/4 of the 12 neighborhoods in Dassa have a shortage of latrines, while in 5 of these neighborhoods latrines are rare. Thus, public defecation is the norm in certain areas.
This project is to construct 25 pit latrines for low-income families in the community.
The project will serve 500 people.
The project is being carried out under the technical direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Brigitte Pohren, working in partnership with DCAM/Bethesda, a leading NGO for hygiene and sanitation in Benin.
Project funds will be used to purchase the materials. Labor and some materials, including sand, will be provided by the families that benefit from the project.
Participating families will begin by digging 1-meter-diameter holes, with a 4-meter target depth. A mason coordinating the project will purchase the supplies and oversee the digging of the pits. Cement bricks and cement covers will be made and put in place. Actual construction will be done by the team, moving from one neighborhood to the next.
Informational sessions are a part of the project, and will include the importance of using latrines, latrine maintenance, and proper handwashing practices.
The project offers a solution to the sanitation crisis plaguing certain zones of the community. The plan to install sanitary facilities was community initiated as a means to achieve better hygiene and a satisfactory standard of living. It will greatly contribute to the long-term health of the community and improvement in the living environment of the villagers.
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 Benin.
This summer the Peace Corps community has an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary effort to improve our communities through volunteer service.
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