In the heart of Liberia, a country still recovering from civil conflict and public health crises, a silent battle rages against an invisible enemy: open defecation. With 35% of the population lacking proper sanitation facilities, and rural areas seeing rates as high as 85%, the need for sustainable solutions is urgent.
Enter the USAID-funded Countywide Sanitation Activity (CWSA), a project determined to tackle this persistent issue across five counties: Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Rural Montserrado. Their mission? To bring affordable and effective sanitation solutions to communities where the average monthly income hovers around $50.
Initially, the introduction of durable Quee Stools and Quee Pans seemed promising. However, the installation process, requiring concrete slabs reinforced with steel rods costing $14 each, quickly became a financial burden for many rural families.
Recognizing the need for innovation, CWSA embarked on a journey of collaboration and continuous learning. They visited households, engaged in community discussions, and sought to understand the real challenges faced by those living without proper sanitation.
Their findings were eye-opening: 95% of households using unimproved or basic toilets did so because of the high cost of standard materials.
Through collaborative efforts with local communities, an innovative solution emerged: using bamboo as a cost-effective alternative to steel rods. This locally available, environmentally sustainable material promised to reduce costs by at least 75%, from $20 to a maximum of $5 per toilet.
The process wasn't without its challenges. CWSA worked with young men to collect bamboo, guided the initial design, and even found creative solutions to increase water resistance by using discarded lubricant from local mechanics.
After rigorous testing, including a successful 90-day laboratory analysis, the bamboo-based solution proved its strength and durability. The result? A toilet solution that matches the standard design in quality but at a fraction of the cost.
The collaborative approach not only produced an effective solution but also fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment within the communities. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with neighboring households expressing interest in building their own bamboo-based toilet slabs.
"This is the true essence of community development: people coming together to take action on what's important to them," remarked one community leader.
As CWSA continues to refine and expand this innovative approach, the project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptation in development work. By tailoring solutions to local needs and resources, Liberia is taking significant strides towards improved sanitation and public health.
Together, we can indeed tailor sanitation solutions that work for all.
