Background
The Las Pilitas neighborhood, located south on the fringes of San Pedro Puxtla, finds itself affected by heavy rains during the rainy season. The community is located in a ravine and is often flooded. Currently, no safe form of human waste containment or removal exists in the village. This lack of basic sanita-tion causes the only available supply of water to be contaminated. Amplified by the flooding down the ravine, the residents of Las Pilitas are at risk for many diseases.
EWB-USA Response
The Central Ohio Professionals chapter of EWB is responsible for the larger project umbrella in this community. They are constructing a road that will access the community and connect it to the neighboring town. However, before the road can be completed a water line has to be laid. Before the local water authority will consider building this water line, proper sanitation must be in place. For more information about this project, visit the Central Ohio Professionals project page. EWB-OSU is completing this sanitation phase of the project in conjunction with EWB-COH. The ultimate goal is for each family to have a private latrine. EWB-OSU has made three trips, and we're planning on returning this summer. Check out the photos below! To see a larger picture click on the image.
Moving Forward
The construction of the latrines will impact all the residents of the village by providing a safe, clean way to dispose of excrements. The latrines will prevent waste from contaminating the fresh water used for drinking, reducing the risk of serious disease within the town and surrounding areas. Upon completion, the latrines will provide a sustainable, continuous resource for the village to maintain sanitary conditions and improve overall health while making it possible for the village to eventually receive treated-water lines from San Pedro Puxtla.
The Las Pilitas neighborhood, located south on the fringes of San Pedro Puxtla, finds itself affected by heavy rains during the rainy season. The community is located in a ravine and is often flooded. Currently, no safe form of human waste containment or removal exists in the village. This lack of basic sanita-tion causes the only available supply of water to be contaminated. Amplified by the flooding down the ravine, the residents of Las Pilitas are at risk for many diseases.
EWB-USA Response
The Central Ohio Professionals chapter of EWB is responsible for the larger project umbrella in this community. They are constructing a road that will access the community and connect it to the neighboring town. However, before the road can be completed a water line has to be laid. Before the local water authority will consider building this water line, proper sanitation must be in place. For more information about this project, visit the Central Ohio Professionals project page. EWB-OSU is completing this sanitation phase of the project in conjunction with EWB-COH. The ultimate goal is for each family to have a private latrine. EWB-OSU has made three trips, and we're planning on returning this summer. Check out the photos below! To see a larger picture click on the image.
Moving Forward
The construction of the latrines will impact all the residents of the village by providing a safe, clean way to dispose of excrements. The latrines will prevent waste from contaminating the fresh water used for drinking, reducing the risk of serious disease within the town and surrounding areas. Upon completion, the latrines will provide a sustainable, continuous resource for the village to maintain sanitary conditions and improve overall health while making it possible for the village to eventually receive treated-water lines from San Pedro Puxtla.
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