Local architect Mahalath Halperin recently spent two weeks on the island of Ranongga in the Solomon Islands, building toilets for the residents of the small village of Obobullu. The team of volunteers from Emergency Architects Australia (EAA) lived and worked with the villagers, engaging them in the construction process. Over 50 latrines have been completed in various villages throughout the island, with the most recent field trip concentrating on the village of Obobullu. The intent is to eventually fund some 50 toilets for the village of approximately 300 people.
“The site location is remote and only accessible by boat from the small township of Gizo, capital of the Western Province region of the Solomon Islands,” Mahalath said.
“With no electricity or power supply, construction methods were kept simple and easy.
“There are no power tools or short cuts in the jungle – but robust and long lasting, and in such a way that the locals can continue to work on more after EAA leaves.
“By the time we left, the locals had already commenced another 10 holes in anticipation – their enthusiasm was encouraging and inspiring.”
In return for the volunteers’ service, the team were housed in the local schoolhouse, and fed by the community with locally grown produce. Involvement with the community and personal families is intrinsic to the success of the project, with each “toilet team’ attached to a particular family group for whom the latrine is being built. Singing and dancing, as well as learning to cook the local way, washing in the river, and tramping through the jungle in tropical thunderstorms and rain were all part of the fortnight’s adventures.
EAA has been working on Ranongga since the 2007 earthquake and tsunami, as part of a wider national sanitation program. Emergency Architects Australia is a not for profit organisation that helps to rebuild lives and support local communities in Australasia and the Pacific region. EAA aims to provide best practice technical expertise to find solutions to local problems which are often caused by natural or man-made disasters.
