Training on latrine construction, slab production and development of the sanitation business

The objective of the training was to deepen knowledge of the norms and approaches of the rural water and sanitation sub-sector, from the perspective of the private sector, to improve technical skills in the use of family sanitation technologies and the techniques for insertion into the sanitation market, and to align and harmonize the actions of the Artisans, within the scope of the Project.

Participants were trained in the following topics:  

• Water Policy (PA),
• Manual for the Implementation of Rural Water Projects (MIPAR) - Project Cycle adapting to the Sanitation and
• Use of tools for pit opening, T block manufacture, manufacture of circular slab for king's chair, manufacture of king's chair, latrine lining with T block, manufacture of latrine cover, tippy tapp system, pit seats, transport and storage of materials, placement of king's acceptade.
• Business Management and Cost Estimation 
• PRONASAR's approach to sanitation (The artisan's Profile and his intervention in the communities and The Family Sanitation Business.)
• The costs of materials and labor in each of the districts;
• The estimate of the average costs of each prefabricated element and the
• Procedures for the construction of the latrine.

Knowledge of the artisan's Centres activities, in particular, has also been strengthened:

• Emphasis has been placed on the manufacture of prefabricated elements and their assembly - specialisation;
• Involve the Family in the construction process, making the materials available at the opening of the cave, and availability of a permanent element to serve as an aid;
• Passing on concrete messages about public health, to motivate the demand for the product;
• Maintain contact with one or two Jornaleiros (Biscayers), to help the Family in the opening of the cave.

Some of the tasks to be performed by the Family:

• Allocate the materials in your backyard;
• If you opt for the acquisition of the elements, at the Shipyard, you should take care of the transportation;
• Open the pit, according to the indication of the artisan or hired person;
• Water the prefabricated elements during the time indicated (four days);
• Assist the Craftsman in the delivery of the T Blocks, at the time of coating the Cova;
• Construct the latrine hut.

Course Evaluation (Results)
At the end of the training, a complete latrine was built consisting of a king's chair for use in the district planning and infrastructure services of Chiúre, built by the trainees. 
After the training the participants demonstrated to have understood and executed the construction of T blocks, circular slab for the King's chair and simple slab, and manufacture of the King's chair.
The participants highlighted the importance of the training and promised that the knowledge acquired will be used to improve their performance in the activities. 
The training contributes to the development of the knowledge of those trained in the field of sanitation and enabled the creation of a sanitation business.
Helvetas will support the trainees with a complete kit for each artisans' association in order to start the sanitation business in their districts.