San Bartolo, Ecuador
Sanitation Project
Project Lead:
Leslie Lopez
projects.ewb.uh@gmail.com
lesliem2005lopez@gmail.com
San Bartolo
The San Bartolo de Yuralpa Izquierdo community, with about 150 people across 24 families, is located 40 minutes from Chontapunta in the Amazon region, accessible primarily by canoe across the Napo River. Agriculture is the main economic activity, with crops like cocoa and corn grown mostly for personal use, and some residents also raise chickens and pigs or work as day laborers.
Community Information
The community has basic amenities, such as a school and electricity, but lacks a sewerage service, with limited and unreliable internet and cell phone connectivity; WhatsApp is the best way to contact local leaders. The average wage in the community ranges between $50 and $75 per month. While the road access is good, it can be affected by heavy rains during the rainy season. Public transportation is limited, with no direct service from Chontapunta, though a bus operates twice daily from Yuralpa Izquierdo to Loreto, requiring residents to cross the Napo River by canoe (at $1 per trip) to reach larger cities like Tena or Misahualli. There is no health center, and common medical issues include malnutrition, flu, diarrhea, and stomach ailments due to parasites. The community organization is robust, with members receptive to suggestions on sanitation improvements, particularly the need for latrines. A water board, managed by President Daniel Aguinda Cerda, oversees water resources, and efforts to legalize the community organization and water board are underway. The primary goal is to establish a sustainable sanitation solution to address waste disposal.
Individual Latrines with Showers and Reinforced Concrete Structure
Given the community’s need for home latrines, the option of constructing individual latrines was evaluated. The proposed latrine model is the simplest available in the country. The following image provides a top view of the design. Since the community has access to water with good pressure, a biodigester is recommended for managing biological waste. Additionally, the preliminary cost estimate includes a 500-liter water tank for the dry season, when water flow and pressure may be lower; the tank would be placed on the reinforced concrete slab of the latrine.
The proposed design includes smooth plastered walls, tile flooring inside the latrine, and a coat of paint on the plastered walls.
Tentative Costs
- Cost of an individual latrine unit: $3,500.00
- Biodigester (1,300 liters): $800.00
- Total cost for 20 homes: $86,000.00
Note: The quoted price includes labor, though community members may assist with labor to reduce costs.
Community Bathrooms with Showers and Reinforced Concrete Structure
The second option involves constructing community bathrooms, where residents can use shared facilities. The following image provides a top view of the second proposal. Given the community’s access to water with good pressure, it is suggested that a biodigester be used for managing biological waste. Additionally, the tentative cost includes a 500-liter water tank for the dry season, when water flow and pressure may decrease. The tank would be placed on the reinforced concrete slab of the bathroom.
The proposed design includes smooth plastered walls, tile flooring inside the bathroom, and a coat of paint on the plastered walls.
Tentative Costs
- Cost of a community bathroom: $20,000.00
- Biodigester (7,000 liters): $7,000.00
- Total cost for 1 community bathroom: $27,000.00
Individual Latrines with CMU Block Structure
The third alternative simplifies the first by removing the shower and using cement blocks for wall support instead of reinforced concrete. It also replaces the reinforced concrete roof with a galvalume zinc roof. The finishes include a coat of paint on the walls.
Tentative Costs
- Cost of an individual latrine unit: $1,500.00
- Biodigester (1,300 liters): $800.00
- Total cost for 20 homes: $46,000.00
