By Matthias Saladin | Project leader
Dear supporters,
Over the past few weeks, we have developed a new model for a waterless toilet. This is important for several reasons:
- Most families in peri-urban areas of Bolivia are not connected to a water supply network. And even where such connections exist, water usually is delivered only for a few hours per day (if at all). Thus, water is a precious good which can not be used for things like flushing the toilet.
- The price of our new model is significantly lower than existing products thanks to the use of pre-fabricated cement elements. These elements also allow for a faster installation of the toilet, bringing down overall costs of the product.
- Combining a high quality but low-price waterless toilet with micro-credit is crucial for accelerating access to sanitation. In Bolivia, only 30% of the population have access to improved sanitation - literally millions of people need a toilet.
In order to further promote this product, the SODIS Foundation will participate in a large trade fair in Cochabamba in November. This will allow us to present the innovation to a wide audience and accelerate its diffusion. We are currently raising funds to showcase the waterless toilet and participate at the fair: Of the 2,500 dollar needed (renting a space, constructing the pilot model, printing flyers), we already secured 40% thanks to a private donor. We encourage all our previous supporters to donate to our project:
http://www.globalgiving.org/7252
If you donate today (Wednesday, October 19), your donation will be complemented by another 30% by the Global Giving Foundation. Take advantage of this opportunity and make your donation today, making your donation 30% more effective than during the rest of the year. This special offer applies to all on-line donations (credit card and PayPal) up to $ 1,000 received today. Please also feel free to forward this information to friends who may be interested.
Best regards from the whole project team,
Matthias Saladin
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