March 2021 – Page 2 – Hábitat para la Humanidad Guatemala

WASH Project – María Tomasa Dubón

5 March, 2021/in Meet our families, News /by profiles

María (52) lives with her husband, Guillermo (56), and their son, Kevin (20), in the community of San Juan, Salamá, Baja Verapaz. While Guillermo works in the fields, and Kevin as a barber, María takes care of the household.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Integral Water and Sanitation Hygiene Project (WASH) consists of the installation of a biodigestor, porcelain toilet, shower, water filter and the placement of a small tower and water tank in each household, to guarantee and ensure better hygiene practices. When the family found out about this project, they knew it was a great opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

Before receiving their new latrine and porcelain toilet, María and her family used a latrine in poor conditions for over 22 years and their shower was covered by plastic. “We felt bad, because when we showered it was uncomfortable. Now, it is completely different, we feel happy! every time we go now, we no longer feel uncomfortable,” says María. She continues by explaining about their waste water; “Before, the waste water was deposited into the ground, but now it is treated by the biodigestor.” With their new biodigestor connected to the toilet and shower they make sure its going to only one place and doesn’t further pollute the environment.

(pictured the family’s old shower)

(pictured the family’s new sanitary unit, including a ceramic toilet, a shower and a pila)

About the water filter, she mentions: “We used to buy clean water or drank it directly from the sink, but we no longer have to do so! with our new water filter we are saving money and the water tastes much better than the one from the sink!”

When asked about how she overall feels about the project, María answers: “We feel content! to finally have these products, thanks to God and to all the individuals that made this project a reality.”

WASH Project – Laura García

4 March, 2021/in Meet our families /by profiles

Laura lives with her husband, Mauro, and their three grandchildren, Laura (19), Mauricio (18), and Yamilet (13) in the community of San Juan, Salamá, Baja Verapaz. Laura owns a small Tortilla shop, and her husband works in the fields nearby.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Integral Water and Sanitation Hygiene Project (WASH) consists of the installation of a biodigestor, porcelain toilet, shower, water filter and the placement of a small tower and water tank in each household, to guarantee and ensure better hygiene practices. When the family found out about this project, they knew it was a great opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

Laura explains the situation of the water in her community “We have two sources of water, but neither of them are completely pure. Sometimes they cut it and we spend a few days with out water. We used to drink directly from the sink, because we did not have enough money to buy water from vendors,” she continues, “Now, with our water tank and water filter it’s completely different. We drink fresh and clear water, and we always have it running!”

(pictured Laura with her old pila, where her and her family used to shower)

(Pictured Laura with her new shower and ceramic toilet)

Before receiving their new latrine and porcelain toilet, Laura and her family used a latrine in poor conditions and they did not have a shower. “I feel very blessed. We had been dreaming of having a shower but we could not afford it. Before, we had to wake up at 4AM each day to shower in our pila (cement sink), so that no one could see us. Now, everybody has their privacy and we feel happy!” says Laura. Before, the family used to pour out their waste water on the street. That has changed as well! With their new biodigestor connected to the toilet and shower they make sure its going to only one place and doesn’t further pollute the environment.

Overall Laura says, “all the people who benefited in the community are happy with their products, they have been of great help! We are making sure to take care of them.”

She finishes by sending a message to the donors: “Thank you all for your support! thank you for making many of our dreams come true. It wouldn’t have been possible on our own. May God bless you.”

Integral Water and Sanitation Hygiene Project in Baja Verapaz

3 March, 2021/in Events, News /by profiles

Since 2011, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala has expanded the definition of a housing solution to include more than just homes. Although four walls and a roof over head are essential to a family’s well-being, one must take into consideration other components such as access to clean drinking water and proper waste water management and sanitation. It is for this reason that Habitat Guatemala created the Healthy Home Kit, which consists of a smokeless stove, a latrine, and a water filter, and has adapted the products that this kit includes over time. During the last week of February 2021, Habitat Guatemala concluded a one-of-a-kind integral WASH (Water and Sanitation Hygiene) project, further evolving the type of solutions that it provides.

Several years ago, upon visiting the community of San Juan, Salamá, Baja Verapaz, it was evident that many members of the community were in need of several improvements to their current sanitary situations. During the first field visit that was conducted by Habitat Guatemala staff, families mentioned utilizing dilapidated and precarious latrines and lamented inconsistent access to water. Upon learning of Habitat for Humanity Canada’s desire to support this community, a plan to implement a unique project was devised.

Over the course of one year, 56 families were involved in the construction and implementation of seven products within each household. Through the installation of a biodigestor and porcelain toilet, families now have access to a private space to use the restroom, and are assured that the waste is treated in an adequate manner. With the placement of a small tower and water tank, families no longer have to worry about whether or not there will be water when they turn on the faucet, rather, they have access to a consistent source of water. In addition, the construction of a shower and a pila (washing station) ensures that all 225 individuals who participated in the project can now conduct proper daily hygiene practices and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Lastly, each family was the recipient of a water filter, meaning they no longer have to worry about contracting gastrointestinal diseases upon consuming water. To complement these solutions, Habitat Guatemala carried out several educational trainings to ensure that families understand how to use and maintain these products, ensuring the sustainability of the project.

The needs that San Juan presented prior to this project are not unique. It is Habitat Guatemala’s hope that we can continue to implement similar projects across the country. We are grateful to our partners, like Habitat for Humanity Canada, who realize the value of these type of interventions and who support us in our journey towards improving the quality of life of individuals across Guatemala.