Improving Sanitation at Muira Village Health Center: A New Pit Latrine and Waste
Over the past months, we’ve been monitoring an ongoing issue with our public restroom. Many patients found it difficult to use the English-style toilets, leading to frequent clogs caused by items such as rocks, banana leaves, and other inappropriate materials.
We also noticed that homemade diapers were often discarded near the restroom area, creating sanitation challenges for our staff and posing risks to public health. Recognizing the need for a practical, culturally appropriate solution, we conducted a community survey in December. The feedback was clear: implementing a pit latrine would best address these challenges.
Acting on this input, we quickly designed and constructed a pit latrine facility, completing the project in just three weeks. The new facility includes:
Four stalls, each with a door for privacy and ease of use.
Pits that extend approximately 14 feet down, providing sufficient capacity for long-term use.
A small drop hole, designed to prevent falls.
A covered slab, to minimize odors and reduce the presence of flies.
An air vent, to promote airflow and further reduces odors.
To further support cleanliness of the facility, we’ve placed large trash cans near the latrine to give patients a convenient and easily accessible place to dispose of trash and diapers responsibly.
The new latrine and waste management system will officially open in January 2025. These improvements represent an important step in addressing sanitation challenges, ensuring public health, and creating a cleaner, more welcoming environment for everyone who visits the health center.
— The Muira Village Health Center Team
