May 15th, 2008 was a different day for the residents of Nong Duang Thong village. On this day, the village, composed of 78 households, was officially recognized as one of the clean and healthy communities in Lao PDR. The village was a so-called urban slum near the capital of Vientiane, characterized by high population density and associated environmental and health problems. After implementing a series of steps towards greater environmental management and sustainability, the village received the Community Urban Environment Prize under the Clean Village Category. A prestigious reward given by Sikhottabing District council to recognize community achievements in addressing environmental issues.
Community Toilet Implemented by the Project
Not so long ago, clogged waterways and wastewater flooding was a common phenomenon in the village. The residents frequently suffered from various water borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever and skin disease. In August 2006, the community embarked on an initiative towards integrated environmental management, incorporating the goals of gender equality. This initiative was entitled Integrated Environmental Management of a Typical Low-Income Community project and was supported by the CIDA and AIT through SEA-UEMA Project. It was also supported by the Public Works and Transport Institute, a government research agency based in Vientiane.
Project-supported Community Drainage System
The project implemented, among other things, a public drainage system and community toilets. It began in August 2006, and lasted for a period of one year, until August 2007. As a result of this project, previously unsanitary conditions in the village have been largely alleviated, and the community is now enjoying a better living environment.
The Sikhottabing District Health Office ranked Nong Duang Thong among the top villages in the district for public health quality. It now ranks 216th in Lao PDR for villages with a clean living environment. Reported cases of dengue fever, diarrhea and other diseases have declined drastically, as the issue of water clogging, particularly during the rainy season, has been tackled through the construction of drainage systems. The village community participated actively, in a gender responsive manner, to make this project a success; and the villagers were delighted to be awarded for their achievement.
Mrs. Can Suan, a community member living in the village for the last ten years said “we always had to endure very bad smell in the area, specially in the rainy season when the drainage overflowed and there were not enough drainage facilities to pump out the waste water from the back and front yards. We had no choice but to live with that worst situation.” To show her gratitude to the project, she expressed, “after the project, we have new and improved drainage systems, and those days are gone and we have more to enjoy in life.”
