Monday September 8th, 4pm, Mann Hall 323
Abstract: In the Philippines, a developing country in Southeast Asia with a population of 92 million and a poverty rate of 30%, more than 50% of the population relies on groundwater wells for drinking. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2004, 85% of the population had reliable access to improved drinking water, and 72% had access to improved sanitation, but water and sanitation related diseases remain a significant problem in the country due to poor water quality and hygiene, especially in slum areas. Gawad Kalinga (GK) is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that is aiming to convert the thousands of slum communities in the country into clean, colorful, and peaceful villages. Supported by thousands of volunteers in the Philippines and abroad, GK has thus far built more than 100,000 homes in more than 1700 villages in the last 5 years. The goal of this study was to provide a picture of the current state of the environment in GK villages and recommendations for improving design and practices in the villages. Assessment focused on a comparison of access to drinking water and sanitation before and after the GK villages were built, and included water quality measurements and surveys of the beneficiaries. The impact of drinking water and sanitation projects on the environment in the villages was assessed qualitatively, as were the solid waste management practices.