Toilets:

Sanitation is one of the most pressing needs in the camps and satellite settlements. IMPAKTaid has, with the assistance of a team of engineers and doctors, developed plans for a public sanitation system (comprising three squat pan toilets and one commode toilet and an eco-friendly septic tank), which can be cheaply and easily constructed at these sites.

The labour utilized in the construction of the toilets is obtained from the skilled and semi-skilled workmen in the camps. With their assistance, the first pilot project of a public sanitation system was completed on 7th January 2005 and proved 100% viable.

Basic toilet facilities are needed throughout the tsunami affected and poorer areas of Sri Lanka. These facilities can be completed within 3 days and are expected to last around 20 years thus reducing the threat and incidence of disease.

The involvement of the residents of the camps and other local victims of the disaster in this project (all of whom are paid a daily wage) will provide a welcome infusion of capital into the community and will enable them to start rebuilding their lives as well as nurturing a sense of community through participation.

IMPAKTaid is currently coordinating and funding the construction of ten of these sanitation systems. Another seven are scheduled for the near future. This is a major undertaking with each system costing Rs.120,000 /- (US$1200) and donations are urgently needed in order to continue.