Matyazo, Rwanda

The Community

Community coordinates

• Rural, highland community of Ngororero District (Western province of Rwanda)

​

• 6143 people

​

• 1205 households

​

• Majority farmers

​

• 52% female & 48% male

​

• Poor fertile soil

​

• potatoes, beans, bananas, maize

The Problem

People are suffering from sanitation related diseases. The purpose of this project is not only for facilitating community access to affordable sanitation but also to increase agricultural income for food security.

Water

Main water sources:

​

• open source

• springs

• piped gravity system

• rainwater collection

​

Water treatment:

​

• filtration (LifeStraw)

Sanitation

Types of toilets in community:

​

• Open defecation

• Pit latrines

​

People with latrine access:

​

• Overused 

• Sanitation is poor

Hygiene

• Most handwashing done in bowl or cup

​

• Most households do have some form of handwashing

Infrastructure and Geological Challenges

• Electricity comes from municipal grid​

  • power outages once a week​

​

• Transportation: footpaths

​

• Steep hillsides

​

• Natural disasters

  • landslides ​

  • Excessive rain 

    • causes crops not to grow​

​

• No river or creek close to community

Highest Priority Need

• Poor sanitation and resulting health challenges

​

• Want toilets and handwashing posts

​

• 64% unimproved sanitation and 18% open defecation (Cranfield University study)

​

• Cost is major hindrance

Community Support

• Community will provide non-industrial locally available materials

​

• People have mobilized and will cover 5% of cost of project through monthly contributions

​

• Estimated cost: $73,600

​

• All households willing to participate (Goal: 500 households)

​

• Primary goals of community

  • Improved public health​

  • Increasing agricultural income

​

• Estimated 3,234 people will benefit from 500 latrines

Timeline

2015

​

Sanitation for All Program failure

Rwanda Project Team Leads