Under the 9th Programme Cycle of the BNTF, the Ministry of Health together with the St Mark’s Women Welfare Group spearheaded the successful refurbishment of the Victoria Down Street Toilet and Bathroom Facility.
The refurbished facility guarantees better health and more convenience for 405 beneficiaries, with improved access to quality water supply and sanitation services.
Down Street, in the heart of Victoria, St Mark, brims with residential homes, small shops, schools, churches, sporting facilities, and a service centre. It is also a central area for fisherfolk who ply their trade along the seacoast. In addition to being a boon for the whole community, during the period of infrastructural works the sub-project was a source of employment for 8 males and 1 female.
Local contractor Selwyn Peters of Victoria, St Mark was awarded the contract in the sum of EC$91,962.05, which included demolition and down-takings, plumbing and new sanitary installations, joinery, electrical installation, floor and wall finishes, and painting and decorating the facility. Additionally, the facility has been outfitted with a changing room and storage lockers, and an attendant room for maintenance workers.
Speaking on behalf of the welfare arm and members of the community, Chairperson Vaudlyn Baptiste said, “Completion of this project will not only provide improved access to sanitary facilities for use by residents, but also employment opportunities for 2 caretakers from within the community. Maintenance management will be important towards ensuring the refurbished facility does not fall into dilapidation and for this reason the group has agreed that the facility will be operated on a pay-and-use basis.”
KizzyAnn Abraham Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at BNTF disclosed that, “Caretakers can look forward to participating in a 5-day intensive Maintenance Management Workshop, whereby they will receive hands-on training in maintenance theory and concepts; preparation of maintenance plans; preparation of a maintenance schedule; supervision of maintenance works; and evaluation and supervision of maintenance works.”
All well and good but if those facilities are not well maintained it will be a sad shame as it won’t last .
We have to start educating our youngster that even though they have an outside toilet when they go out use public toilet with respect.