Update from MAD HQ: Kpachiri Ayeremu Toilets

This project operated in two neighbouring communities only 300m apart, Kpachiri has an estimated population of 1,200 and Ayeremu, 700.

For this project, Mad has teamed up with our project partner APDO (Afram Planes Development Organisation). APDO seeks to alleviate some of the problems endemic in the region. The two major issues are access to safe water and sanitation. A very innovative NGO, APDO pioneered the use of a 'Sanitation Market' to promote the different latrine options to the communities, before deciding together on the best and most financially feasible option.

Working closely with the communities concerned, the idea was that both parties come together to meet the costs. Recently APDO has discovered just how far reaching the effects are of not having access to sanitation facilities. After carrying out a local survey concerning school attendance in the region they realized that girls tended to stop attending school at around the age of 12. This was because they were becoming too self-conscious to attend a school without toilet facilities.

It was APDO who managed to provide clean drinking water for these communities and now they are providing sanitation facilities too.Recently APDO's remit has expanded to include education issues and they have established a radio station that broadcasts between 1700 and 2100hrs on issues concerning the region.This project was split between the two communities, constructing household latrines. APDO already have 40 latrines under construction in Kpachiri, with a total aim of 70, and in Ayeremu, they are looking to complete 30 - 40 which our volunteers helped with.

The District Assembly are also constructing a new primary school in Ayeremu and the community are looking for extra volunteers to provide communal labour which Mad agreed to assist with.