plan 139Water and Sanitation in the Camoapa municipality 2

Summary

Construction of 19 double pit latrines and rehabilitation of 1 well.

Background

Since 1990 El Porvenir has partnered with over 375 poor communities in Nicaragua to improve their lives and health through self-help sustainable community development. We have completed over 650 small-scale water and sanitation projects to date. Infrastructure projects are accompanied by community-based reforestation and community health education. El Porvenir does not initiate projects. A community must identify their need, come to El Porvenir to ask for help, elect a committee, provide all labor on a volunteer basis, and contribute any locally available materials. El Porvenir field staff provide materials which must be purchased, and give technical assistance and training to enable the community to construct the project and then undertake its long-term maintenance.

Location

Managua, Managua, Nicaragua

Attachments

  • Blue_Pla...
  • well_bui...

Focus

Primary Focus: Drinking Water - Community
Secondary Focus: Sanitation - Households

People Getting Safe Drinking Water: 42

One well will be rehabilitated in San Isidro, Camoapa. There are 7 families and 42 people living there.

School Children Getting Water:

People Getting Sanitation: 121

19 double pit latrines will be built in La Calamidad, Camoapa. In 19 households, there are 20 families and 121 people.

People Getting Other Benefits: 163

All beneficiaries will receive hygiene and sanitary education, training in long term maintenance of projects, and the opportunity to take part in reforestation of microwatersheds in their communities. More details below.

Start Date: 2008-07-15

Completion Date: 2009-04-30

Technology Used:

All wells use the rope pump, invented and manufactured here in Nicaragua. The rope pump can pull up water from a depth of 100 feet. Lasting for many years, it costs $180 and can be repaired for a few dollars when it breaks. Some information is available on www.ropepump.com

These latrines are part of a pilot double-pit VIP latrine program (standard for Nicaragua at this time are single pit VIP latrines, although this may change in the near future as we are investigating other options). The shells are made of zinc and metal, so as to be easily reused (and moved) when the first pit fills.

Phases:

Community Organization:

Usually the communities are organized even before applying to El Porvenir for a project. (El Porvenir does not undertake any project unless we receive a handwritten request from the community). If the community does not have Potable Water Committee (CAP) then other existing structures (if any) in the community are viewed to see they want to become the CAP for their community, otherwise a new committee is created. The community is trained in community organizing technique and committee functioning.

Community ownership is felt by the community through its identification of its problem, and their involvement in the sweat equity of the project.

All water project areas are legalized before beginning any construction.

Government Interaction:

Ancillary activities:

After project construction, water project communities are invited to participate in reforestation. Those who want to do so will develop seedling nurseries in Jan-March, transplant in the rainy season May-June, and maintain the plantations under barbed wire fence and "no burn" protection for three years minimum. Reforestation project includes construction of fuel-saving, smoke-free stoves in the homes of the best reforestation participants (and eventually others).

Community health educators will visit all projects after construction to teach hygiene (handwashing e.g.) and encourage ongoing maintenance and repair of all projects, strengthen local committees, etc. Also, Community Agents will be trained to directly and more frequently reinforce the hygiene messages. The Community Agents are trained using a train-the-trainer methodology.

Other Issues:

In order to measure the impact of our projects, we collect data several times a year from clinics serving rural districts where we have a high concentration of projects: number of visits due to diarrhea, etc. As the number decreases we feel that hygiene education has been effective.

We are reviewing our monitoring and evaluation system at this time and hope to come up with more comprehensive indicators over time.

Currently we collect health data from the nearby health posts and monitor the incidences of diarrhea and other watsan related illnesses.

Maintenance Revenue:

The community has agreed that each member will pay a quota each month for the well maintenance (10 córdobas (about 50 cents US). This amount will go to the maintenance fund which will be maintained by the treasurer of the potable water committee and will be put into a bank account if it reaches 1,500 córdobas (U$82). El Porvenir will assist the community in opening a bank account if necessary. There is a bank in Camoapa. Each family is responsable for the maintenance of the their latrines.

Maintenance Cost: $80

Metrics:

Prior art before metrics

Cost: $10,512

See grant budget, attached.

Co Funding Amount:

Community Contribution Amount: $1,000

The total time worked by the community in carrying out this Project will be approximately 300 person-days with a value of approximately US$3.33 per day (wages generally paid in rural area for manual labour) for a total of US$600.

Fund Requested: $10,512

Attachments

  • Blue_Pla...
  • well_bui...
  • 2 participants | show more

    Thanks

    Gemma Bulos of A Single Drop

    Thanks so much for being clear about where you are learning and where you are talking about improving. It really shows that this is a truly dynamic process. I also very much appreciate your focus on collective decision-making and committees. I would like to know a little more about the infrastructure of the committees and what their role...

    Thanks so much for being clear about where you are learning and where you are talking about improving. It really shows that this is a truly dynamic process. I also very much appreciate your focus on collective decision-making and committees. I would like to know a little more about the infrastructure of the committees and what their roles are. What is the governance scheme?

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Dear Gemma, Thanks for your comments and question. The committees are formed similar to a board of directors, with a Coordinater, Vice-coordinater, Secretary, Treasurer. In our committees, there is usually also the following roles: Project materials and/or tools, Maintenance, Reforestation and Hygiene education (which as I mentioned ...

      Dear Gemma,

      Thanks for your comments and question.

      The committees are formed similar to a board of directors, with a Coordinater, Vice-coordinater, Secretary, Treasurer. In our committees, there is usually also the following roles: Project materials and/or tools, Maintenance, Reforestation and Hygiene education (which as I mentioned above, may be the agent for this community). Usually the committee doesn't have more than 7 people, so sometimes people take on a primary and a secondary role. For example, it is not unusual for a Vice-coordinater to also be the tools or maintenance person. We try to encourage equal representation of women in the PWC, although in this country that is often a challenge. The committee members are elected in a democratic process. Our staff are often invited to attend the elections to help ensure everything is above board.

      Is that what you meant, does that answer your question?

      I will be travelling next week, but I will endeavour to get online as possible to answer more questions...

      Thanks,
      Rob

  • 2 participants | show more

    Location of the 2 communities

    Rajesh Shah of Blue Planet Network

    How close are the 2 communities? Seems the application is more general than specific on the 2 projects identified (narrative is similar to the other application). What is the current situation on the well? How old is it? Why does it need rehab? The photo does not clearly show the state. Are you just replacing the pump? This project (and...

    How close are the 2 communities?

    Seems the application is more general than specific on the 2 projects identified (narrative is similar to the other application).

    What is the current situation on the well? How old is it? Why does it need rehab? The photo does not clearly show the state. Are you just replacing the pump?

    This project (and maybe all EP projects) should show primary focus sanitation, secondary drinking water.

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Rajesh, These two communities are in the same municipality, about 15-20km apart. The photo, by the way, is the well in Calamidad, and was put in by UNICEF. It is working fine. The well to be rehabbed is in San Isidro. This is because the well does not have a rope pump and the well skirt and lid are deteriorated, allowing for contami...

      Rajesh,

      These two communities are in the same municipality, about 15-20km apart.

      The photo, by the way, is the well in Calamidad, and was put in by UNICEF. It is working fine. The well to be rehabbed is in San Isidro. This is because the well does not have a rope pump and the well skirt and lid are deteriorated, allowing for contamination.

      In a previous project, El Porvenir constructed 17 latrines in San Isidro. (and 7 for a nearby community that are actually part of San Isidro).

      Rob

  • 2 participants | show more

    Admin costs question

    Rajesh Shah of Blue Planet Network

    This should be for all applications, but let me start with EP - the first BPR partner. Why are admin costs and grant mgmt costs a percentage? Seems to me that they should be somewhat fixed, dependent on the project scale, not the funding. Just like the materials costs, salaries for field officer, etc. Thoughts? ...

    This should be for all applications, but let me start with EP - the first BPR partner.

    Why are admin costs and grant mgmt costs a percentage? Seems to me that they should be somewhat fixed, dependent on the project scale, not the funding.

    Just like the materials costs, salaries for field officer, etc.

    Thoughts?

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Rajesh, % admin probably comes down from history and the constant worry that admin costs on the 990 not be more than 15-20% (thankfully we are in there ourselves). Also, it is difficult and cumbersome to list out all the admin costs like telephone, internet, rent, electricity, water, accountant, computer purchases, etc. etc. So, a perce...

      Rajesh,

      % admin probably comes down from history and the constant worry that admin costs on the 990 not be more than 15-20% (thankfully we are in there ourselves). Also, it is difficult and cumbersome to list out all the admin costs like telephone, internet, rent, electricity, water, accountant, computer purchases, etc. etc. So, a percentage is often applied to each grant - which doesn't even cover all the admin.

      Of course, we are open to other models. What do you have in mind?

      Rob

  • 2 participants | show more

    Some questions

    Idriss Kamara of Safer Future Youth Development Project

    1. Can you please clarify the difference between the community agents and the portable water committe? 2. Are the portable water committee been organised together with the individual communities? 3. As for the aforestation which type of trees are going to be planted? are they of any economic value to the community and which method(s) w...

    1. Can you please clarify the difference between the community agents and the portable water committe?
    2. Are the portable water committee been organised together with the individual communities?
    3. As for the aforestation which type of trees are going to be planted? are they of any economic value to the community and which method(s) will be put to prevent burning of the planted trees? (This is for the Nicaragua Project, 19 double pits& lanterin

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Dear Idriss, Thanks for your questions. By the way, I would have to cordially disagree with you about a random survey of needs over a waiting for the community to approach us - our experience over the years has been that our approach works well, especially getting people connected to their project and taking ownership of it, contributi...

      Dear Idriss,

      Thanks for your questions. By the way, I would have to cordially disagree with you about a random survey of needs over a waiting for the community to approach us - our experience over the years has been that our approach works well, especially getting people connected to their project and taking ownership of it, contributing to the long term sustainability of it.

      Now to your questions:

      1. In each community we identify 2 volunteers to become agents. Usually at least one of them is also a member of the PWC. The other, if not a member of the PWC (although they may be), is often the existing health brigadista in the community. This is a person that has been trained in basic first aid and some health topics by the Ministry of Health. This gives them a head start on the sanitation themes we will be asking them to reproduce.
      2. There is a PWC organised in each community. Often there is an existing community committee, although it may not have a potable water focus. Sometimes it is a committee organized out of the municipality. Sometimes no committee exists, or the existing structures in place are not functioning, then our staff helps the community understand how they need to organise it. We organise the sweat labour for the project through the PWC.
      3. We plant all native species to Nicaragua. Many are used for firewood and 2 in particular are precious hardwoods used in furniture and for export. The economic incentive is often more motivating for the community members than protecting their water source. Although we work hard in the education program to make that connection clear for them...
      To prevent burning and cutting them down, we sign a contract with each reforester to not burn or cut in the plantation for at least 5 years. Although we have found that no trees have been cut down yet in any community plantations since the program started 9 years ago. For firewood, we encourage them to use branches and that if they do want to cut down any trees eventually, they should plant at least 10 trees to replace it.

      Does that answer your questions?

      Thanks,
      Rob

      • Idriss Kamara of Safer Future Youth Development Project

        Thanks Rob. Indeed you structures has been working well but i think it will also help if you can identify a village and conduct a survey on their actual needs so that those who does not know your programs or areas of intervention but are badly affected presumably can also have the opportunity to benefit from your project. Also, for the bur...

        Thanks Rob.
        Indeed you structures has been working well but i think it will also help if you can identify a village and conduct a survey on their actual needs so that those who does not know your programs or areas of intervention but are badly affected presumably can also have the opportunity to benefit from your project.
        Also, for the burning protection of the trees, i would like to suggest that this be included in your regulations. Communities should ensure that a thorough fire belt should be made and maintained so that accidental fire from a passer-by smoker or from any other source could destroy the tree.
        Thanks.

    • Idriss Kamara of Safer Future Youth Development Project

      Thanks Rob. Indeed you structures has been working well but i think it will also help if you can identify a village and conduct a survey on their actual needs so that those who does not know your programs or areas of intervention but are badly affected presumably can also have the opportunity to benefit from your project. Also, for the bur...

      Thanks Rob.
      Indeed you structures has been working well but i think it will also help if you can identify a village and conduct a survey on their actual needs so that those who does not know your programs or areas of intervention but are badly affected presumably can also have the opportunity to benefit from your project.
      Also, for the burning protection of the trees, i would like to suggest that this be included in your regulations. Communities should ensure that a thorough fire belt should be made and maintained so that accidental fire from a passer-by smoker or from any other source could destroy the tree.
      Thanks.

  • 3 participants | show more

    Question on VIP Latrine

    Ned Breslin of Water for People

    This is a really good project. Could you provide more information on the VIP latrines? Will the compost be used as fertilizer? If so, who will be responsible for emptying the latrine? Thanks, Monica

    This is a really good project. Could you provide more information on the VIP latrines? Will the compost be used as fertilizer? If so, who will be responsible for emptying the latrine?
    Thanks, Monica

    • Idriss Kamara of Safer Future Youth Development Project

      Dear Monica, From my point of view, the VIP latrines could have an external cesspit where all feces and urine are flushed to avoid direct contact of the normal heat and smell coming from the pit. This pit covered by a slab(s) could be easily emptied by removing the slab(s). The humanure(i.e the combination of feces,urine with papers and a...

      Dear Monica,
      From my point of view, the VIP latrines could have an external cesspit where all feces and urine are flushed to avoid direct contact of the normal heat and smell coming from the pit. This pit covered by a slab(s) could be easily emptied by removing the slab(s). The humanure(i.e the combination of feces,urine with papers and additional carbon materials like saw dust etc.) collected can be deposited in the compost heap together with any other organic waste to make a compost.
      The Compost which can also be called brown manure could be used as fertilizer after been allowed to decompose properly. It is very good for soil conditioning and fertilization.
      As to who will empty the latrines, i think there should be a community infrastructure which is responsible for waste management. In the absence of that, the community should implore the services of night soil collectors whom i believe can be found in and around the community to always empty the latrines as and when necessary to a pit for the compost.
      Thanks
      Idriss

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        Dear Idriss, I am not sure what you mean by external cesspit, unless you mean what we call a septic tank. If it is a septic tank, there is not enough water available to use a septic tank in this infrastructure, unfortunately. There are no night soil collectors in Nicaragua, perhaps things are different in your area. Thanks, R...

        Dear Idriss,

        I am not sure what you mean by external cesspit, unless you mean what we call a septic tank. If it is a septic tank, there is not enough water available to use a septic tank in this infrastructure, unfortunately.

        There are no night soil collectors in Nicaragua, perhaps things are different in your area.

        Thanks,
        Rob

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Dear Idriss, I am not sure what you mean by external cesspit, unless you mean what we call a septic tank. If it is a septic tank, there is not enough water available to use a septic tank in this infrastructure, unfortunately. There are no night soil collectors in Nicaragua, perhaps things are different in your area. Thanks, R...

      Dear Idriss,

      I am not sure what you mean by external cesspit, unless you mean what we call a septic tank. If it is a septic tank, there is not enough water available to use a septic tank in this infrastructure, unfortunately.

      There are no night soil collectors in Nicaragua, perhaps things are different in your area.

      Thanks,
      Rob

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Monica and Ned, Thanks for your comment and support. I think the answer below to Meera will help give some more info on VIP latrines. Also, try looking at: http://tilz.tearfund.org/Publications/Footsteps+21-30/Footsteps+30/Planning+a+pit+latrine.htm or http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/settings/hvchap4.pdf As men...

      Monica and Ned,

      Thanks for your comment and support. I think the answer below to Meera will help give some more info on VIP latrines. Also, try looking at:

      http://tilz.tearfund.org/Publications/Footsteps+21-30/Footsteps+30/Planning+a+pit+latrine.htm

      or

      http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/settings/hvchap4.pdf

      As mentioned below, the compost can certainly be used, but it is unlikely in the early stages. It will take a lot of time and education to overcome the cultural bias against it.

      In any case, the beneficiary will be emptying the latrine.

      Thanks,
      Rob

  • 3 participants | show more

    VIP latrine and cost

    Meera Hira-Smith of Project Well

    As per last year's application ID# 78, the cost of 30 latrines that are being built in 2008 at Pena de café, the fund was USD8151. What type of latrines were included in that application? Why are the VIP latrines so expensive (each USD440) that actually puts up cost per person as high as USD64. And 89% of the budget is for project materia...

    As per last year's application ID# 78, the cost of 30 latrines that are being built in 2008 at Pena de café, the fund was USD8151. What type of latrines were included in that application? Why are the VIP latrines so expensive (each USD440) that actually puts up cost per person as high as USD64. And 89% of the budget is for project material. This fact is very new to me. I am not an expert on toilets but use of zinc as constructing material sounds expensive. Please elaborate this VIP type of toilet versus eco-san or septic tank toilets. By the cost it seems similar to septic tank toilets that are, in the rural areas in India, are affordable only by the middle to high class of people. 2. No project reports are uploaded yet. A few pictures of the past projects would help to score the current application.
    Thank you.

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Dear Meera, Thanks for your question. I am sorry it was not made clear. The Peña de Café application was for single pit VIP latrines. La Calamidad here is for double pit VIP latrines - that is the reason for the difference. BPR was interested to support this experiment in sustainability here. The idea is that the second pit is not used,...

      Dear Meera,

      Thanks for your question. I am sorry it was not made clear. The Peña de Café application was for single pit VIP latrines. La Calamidad here is for double pit VIP latrines - that is the reason for the difference. BPR was interested to support this experiment in sustainability here. The idea is that the second pit is not used, and when the first pit fills, the latrine house and bench can be moved to the second pit. When the second pit fills, the first pit will have lain fallow enough dig that it can be dug up and the switch made again, ad infinitum. Theoretically, the manure can be used as compost, although culturally in Nicaragua, this is unacceptable, so this is unlikely to occur in the short term, however, our education program will endeavour to convince people of the benefits of this compost.

      The reason we use zinc for the houses is that it will last longer, especially if painted, which is what we encourage the users to do.

      The advantage of the dual pit over eco-san, in theory, is that it requires less constant intervention from the user, which has been the reason for many eco-san projects failing here in Nicaragua. In the regions where we work, for the most part, there is generally not enough water available for a septic tank toilet. In any case, this is an experiment, we will let you know how the project goes.

      The Peñas project is not yet up to date, but that project has completed, and I have not yet had time to update it. Soon, soon, I hope.

      I hope this helps,
      Rob

      • Meera Hira-Smith of Project Well

        Thanks Rob for the explanation on the difference between the types of toilets is such simple language and the reasons for implementing the VIP types. It does help a lot. Good Luck with uploading some pictures later. Meera

        Thanks Rob for the explanation on the difference between the types of toilets is such simple language and the reasons for implementing the VIP types. It does help a lot. Good Luck with uploading some pictures later. Meera

      • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

        A number of considerations would be important to take into consideration with Eco-San ( Composting Latrines). We have seen many such projects turn into very expensive tool sheds because of the low mean outside temperature that does not encourage composting and cultural norms against handling human waste in any form or maturity.

        A number of considerations would be important to take into consideration with Eco-San ( Composting Latrines). We have seen many such projects turn into very expensive tool sheds because of the low mean outside temperature that does not encourage composting and cultural norms against handling human waste in any form or maturity.

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... alth...

          100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... although it would be a nice problem to have, once in a while :-)

          We are going to visit a successful Ecosan project in El Salvador next month to see how they made it work.

          Rob

          • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

            I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

            I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

            • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

              Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

              Lynn,

              Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

              Rob

          • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

            Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

            Lynn,

            Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

            Rob

        • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

          I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

          I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

          • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

            Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

            Lynn,

            Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

            Rob

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

          Lynn,

          Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

          Rob

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... alth...

        100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... although it would be a nice problem to have, once in a while :-)

        We are going to visit a successful Ecosan project in El Salvador next month to see how they made it work.

        Rob

        • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

          I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

          I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

          • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

            Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

            Lynn,

            Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

            Rob

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

          Lynn,

          Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

          Rob

      • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

        I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

        I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

          Lynn,

          Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

          Rob

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

        Lynn,

        Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

        Rob

    • Meera Hira-Smith of Project Well

      Thanks Rob for the explanation on the difference between the types of toilets is such simple language and the reasons for implementing the VIP types. It does help a lot. Good Luck with uploading some pictures later. Meera

      Thanks Rob for the explanation on the difference between the types of toilets is such simple language and the reasons for implementing the VIP types. It does help a lot. Good Luck with uploading some pictures later. Meera

    • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

      A number of considerations would be important to take into consideration with Eco-San ( Composting Latrines). We have seen many such projects turn into very expensive tool sheds because of the low mean outside temperature that does not encourage composting and cultural norms against handling human waste in any form or maturity.

      A number of considerations would be important to take into consideration with Eco-San ( Composting Latrines). We have seen many such projects turn into very expensive tool sheds because of the low mean outside temperature that does not encourage composting and cultural norms against handling human waste in any form or maturity.

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... alth...

        100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... although it would be a nice problem to have, once in a while :-)

        We are going to visit a successful Ecosan project in El Salvador next month to see how they made it work.

        Rob

        • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

          I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

          I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

          • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

            Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

            Lynn,

            Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

            Rob

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

          Lynn,

          Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

          Rob

      • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

        I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

        I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

          Lynn,

          Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

          Rob

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

        Lynn,

        Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

        Rob

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... alth...

      100% agree with you there Lynn. However, we have some beach communities (on Lake Nicaragua) where a VIP just is not possible. so we are looking at those as a good place to experiment with the Ecosan, although we want to learn as much about it as possible, before we start. Low mean temperatures are not a problem where we are working... although it would be a nice problem to have, once in a while :-)

      We are going to visit a successful Ecosan project in El Salvador next month to see how they made it work.

      Rob

      • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

        I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

        I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

        • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

          Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

          Lynn,

          Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

          Rob

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

        Lynn,

        Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

        Rob

    • Lynn Roberts of Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

      I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

      I can understand fully the need for the ECO SAN style of latrine in high water table situations. My experience so far has been that people must be highly motivated to adopt this style of latrine and see a usefull product for their crops. How long will your educational project continue? Through one or more crop cycles?

      • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

        Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

        Lynn,

        Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

        Rob

    • Rob Bell of El Porvenir

      Lynn, Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period... Rob

      Lynn,

      Our education program in the past is generally 1-2 years in each community. However, we are looking to a new train-the-trainer methodology that will train 2 local agents or educators to have our reach extend even beyond that initial period...

      Rob

  • Rating: 6

    review by Safer Future Youth Development Project

    Based on experience, i think they have the chance of executing the project for the benefit of the beneficiaries.

  • Rating: 8

    review by Project Well

    Though the cost per person is high ($64) at least the families will have safe water and the douple pit toilet at the same time that means better health. What is missing is reports of the the past projects and plan of setting up tracking system. The advantage of the tracking system is as per June 08 the Project Well's dugwell report of the beneficiaries of the communities supported by BPR is as follows.
    Total # dugwells funded by BPR in 2005 and 2007 is 30;
    dugwells in use 26;
    dugwells not being used is 3;
    closed dugwell is 1;
    Total target families is 210;
    Total target benificiaries is 900;
    Total families in June 08 is 227
    Total beneficiaries in June 08 is1088.
    In addition a school of 209 students and staff near PW54 are using the dugwell water. Over the years the tracking record and feed back from the users has enabled us to identify the problems that are being addressed to improve the response rate. Please read more comments on the tracking system on the rating dash board of the other applications.

  • Rating: 8

    review by Water for People

    The VIP double pit latrine has real potential but you will need to commit resources towards creating a desire in the users to follow through on emptying them or using the compost.

  • Rating: 9

    review by Agua Para La Salud (APLS)

    My comments to the other project by El Porvenir apply to this project with the added comment below.

    Composting latrines have not been very successful in our area and constant support and monitoring by installing agencies should be encouraged by adding additional funding to this project to allow for a number of years of organizing the dispersal of composted waste. Rob could give advise about what this would require.

  • Rating: 4

    review by Blue Planet Network

    These two projects are combined but not related - presents a funding problem.

    Really like the well rehab one, but not with the sanitation as it is not tied to a project in PWX.

    BPR has a focus on water and its possible to steer funds into sanitation when its tied to the water. However, a separate sanitation project is harder, esp. when so many other projects are presented.

    Might have to fund partially.

  • Rating: 8

    review by A Single Drop

    Its really refreshing to see a program that addresses water and sanitation at the same time. they go hand in hand and when they are rolled out together, it is probably a much more challenging but effective way to really implant the education and behavior change

Name Status Completion Date Final Cost
Water and Sanitation in San Isidro, Camoapa completed Sep 2009 1,073
Water and Sanitation in the Calmidad, Camoapa completed Jan 2009 9,439