DI Rotary partners with Water Mission for safe sanitation facilities

Through a partnership between Water Mission and the Daniel Island Rotary Club, a water purification system was installed in 2016 in the impoverished community of Loma Negra, Peru. Clean drinking water was provided, with the addition of two wells and the installation of a reverse osmosis system. The project also included the construction of 23 latrines.

While beneficial, this provided sanitation facilities to only 4% of the village, leaving about 580 families still in need. When latrines, also known as sophisticated outhouses, are unavailable, the ground is contaminated with human waste and disease spreads rapidly, especially to vulnerable children, explained Dr. William Greene, head of international projects for the local Rotary chapter.

A multi-year plan is now underway that will provide all 600 families in Loma Negra access to private and safe facilities. According to the Daniel Island Rotary Club, “The first phase of sanitation work to provide 200 latrines is well underway with an estimated completion in late spring. Latrine molds have been positioned in the community with local masons assisting families with the construction of latrines in close proximity to their homes.”

Greene added, “These units are 21st century technology, not your granddad’s outhouse! Pits are dug by the natives, then lined with brick. An aluminum mold is assembled from sub-units and concrete is poured for each latrine. A p-valve is incorporated like we have in the states, which does away with the problems of odors and flies. The waste is composted and used for fertilizer.”

Of the new latrines, 100 are already in use. With every 50 new latrines built, Rotarians lift up the receiving community through a commissioning celebration. They provide basic bathroom supplies and educational programs about hand washing and hygiene to the families in Loma Negra.

The next phase, planned for this summer, will help 200 more households. North Charleston-based Water Mission, with permanent agents in Peru, will oversee the construction of the sanitation units. To raise funds, the Daniel Island Rotary Club enlisted support from nine additional clubs. Their contributions amounted to $28,750. District 7770 and Rotary International offered matching funds, bringing the total donation to $104,264.

Events such as the Charleston Duck Race, held at Smythe Park on Daniel Island, contribute to local Rotary service projects. Rotary International is a worldwide civic organization with 1.2 million members. Adhering to the motto “service above self,” the club raises money to positively impact critical community needs locally and around the globe.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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