Etta Projects Ecological Composting Latrines Project Update
In June two important advancements were made in the Ecological Bathroom Project. First, in the village El Paisaje the project began to function under the leadership and initiative of the participating families. At the start of June we fully completed the construction process of the eco bathrooms. Families are now utilizing and maintaining their new bathrooms. Health Promoters are making consistent visits to the family to monitor use and maintenance. They are also working with families to improve hygiene habits and impact health in the village. Project staff are making periodic visits to the community to evaluate progress. The results of the village’s work have been outstanding. All families are satisfied with the project and are using their bathrooms correctly. Health Promoters are achieving project goals by fulfilling their roles and responsibilities as community sanitation leaders.
The second advancement is the kickoff of the construction process in the neighborhood El Rodeo. Participation in the project started slow, but more families are encouraged to get involved now that they see progress in their neighborhood. One new participant said, “I didn’t believe anyone was ever going to come and help us build bathrooms. Now that you are here, I believe it. I want to join the project.” To date, 11 families have completed the base of the bathroom. The majority of these families opted to financially contribute to the project at a lower rate by utilizing their own materials to complete the walls of the bathroom. Project staff will begin another cycle of families while this work is being completed. Ninety percent of all the families that have started or completed the building process have fully paid their financial contribution to the project.
Women took on a lead role in the construction process in Rodeo. Most men were not available throughout the week and women quickly became bricklayers and cement makers. It was exciting to see women step out of their typical responsibilities and learn new skills.
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