Panama

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 A. 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.

To indicate your desire for your contribution to be allocated toward this project, please click the Donate button below.

Panama is an international business center, and has the largest economy in Central America. However, this community is extremely poor, without resources for basic needs. Presently, the people often defecate in the river, which is also used as a source of drinking water.

This project is being directed by Peace Corps volunteer K. Fraser.

Project funds will be used for materials for the project.

The community contribution is 46% of the total cost, and consists of labor and transportation of all materials. Supplies are transported from locations an hour away by horseback or on foot.

Community participation is also ensured by charging each family $5 to participate.

Throughout the duration of this project, Peace Corps volunteers will give a series of educational seminars to teach participants about the dangers of waterborne illnesses and ways to avoid them. Families that participate will have access to clean latrines, improving the health of their families and the water quality in the community.

Your donation will go for this project if you use the Donate button below.

The original aqueduct was built in 1985 and consists of a simple spring box, tank, and gravity-fed PVC tube system. Although the pipes were replaced 10 years ago, the system has again deteriorated. In addition, since the community has grown, and there is a greater demand for water, the system must be expanded.

The aqueduct project will first provide for the protection of the water source by reforestation of the land which surrounds it. This will serve to help maintain the water level as well.

Next, metal tubing will be placed over the section of PVC tubing that crosses over the river, to protect the pipe and prevent additional damage.

Finally, the tank will be resealed with a layer of cement and the 23-year-old water valves will be replaced.

For the construction of the 22 latrines, the community will be trained in their construction, maintenance, and use. 20-foot pit latrines will be hand dug at each location. The labor for digging and construction, including building the walls, will be provided by the recipient families.

Project funds will be used for purchasing materials for the roofs and floors of the latrines.

The project will result in the improvement in the health of the members of the community by providing a continuing safe water supply and sanitary facilities to meet their needs.

To indicate your desire for your donation to be used for this specific project, please use the Donate button below.