Improved Latrines for Rural Communities

Latrine production training Photo credit: SHIPO

In 2009 SHIPO has improved their latrine production system. In the last two months of that year we have trained 35 masons from rural communities in the production of the improved pit latrines and they have produced already 609 latrine slabs on request.

Although the materials for these latrines are sponsored, still the beneficiaries pay (about half) of that value into a local managed (village level) revolving fund. That fund can then be used by (other) community members to buy (other) SMART techs. This way SHIPO hopes the system becomes more sustainable and this local micro credit system can help improve income.

While SHIPO technicians are training masons, others train treasure and financial “controllers” in villages.

This process is continuing from village to village. By the end of 2010 SHIPO plans to provide about 4500 latrines and establish about 113 revolving funds.