As part of the "Isuku" project, which means cleanliness, SaCoDé is striving to drive sustainable change in hygiene and sanitation within Burundian communities. This project highlights the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, a participatory method that encourages communities to recognize the health risks of poor hygiene practices, such as open defecation, and commit to concrete actions to address them.

During the third quarter of 2024, we intensified our efforts across nine provinces, including Gitega, Ngozi, Kirundo, Cibitoke, Makamba, Ruyigi, Karusi, Muyinga, and Bujumbura. Through a series of community sensitization sessions, our 27 community mentors guided numerous families in improving their hygiene practices, particularly by encouraging the construction of latrines that meet health standards. Thanks to local mobilization, many households adopted locally-sourced solutions to build and maintain their own sanitation facilities without relying on external subsidies.

A notable example is the improved latrine of DUSHIME Evangéline, president of the VSLA "Twitezimbere mu kurwanya ingwara zifatira kwisuku rike" in Muramba hill, Buhinyuza commune, Muyinga province.  

Evangéline’s latrine is a model of improved sanitation infrastructure designed to maintain a clean environment, free from unpleasant odors. Built with local materials, it features a cement toilet bowl, a durable and hygienic material, connected to an external covered septic pit. A broom is stored in the corner, allowing for regular maintenance, and a bucket of water is always available nearby for cleaning after each use. Just outside, a "tip tap" handwashing system is installed to encourage hand hygiene right after exiting, promoting good hygiene practices.

The waste management system is also ingenious. A pipe connects the toilet bowl to an external pit, where waste is flushed out with water, preventing stagnation or buildup inside. This well-sealed pit is equipped with a ventilation pipe that allows air circulation and reduces waste fermentation, minimizing unpleasant odors in and around the latrine.

The latrine’s tin roof provides weather protection, while the sturdy door ensures user privacy. The design balances practicality and hygiene, creating a healthy environment for Evangéline’s family and serving as an inspiring model for other community members.

Testimonial 

"Before building this new latrine, my family and I faced hygiene issues that affected our health and well-being. Thanks to the "Isuku" project, I learned the importance of having a proper latrine and improved hygiene practices. Today, not only do we have a clean and safe latrine, but we’re also aware of the importance of handwashing and regular maintenance of this space. This latrine has become a model in our community, and I’m proud to see other families inspired by it to improve their own situations."

The initiatives implemented this year have helped communities better understand the importance of cleanliness and waste management while strengthening their ability to independently improve their sanitation conditions. The "Isuku" project continues to play a crucial role in establishing sustainable hygiene standards within rural communities, with a concrete impact on community health and quality of life.