REACT teams work with local communities to improve sanitation

Volunteer REACT Responders are in Morocco supporting remote communities after the devastating earthquake destroyed buildings and infrastructure in some of the hardest-to-reach areas of the Atlas Mountains.

The teams have been working with local communities to quickly identify and meet urgent needs, whether they be shelter, sanitation or medical assistance. For many villages without toilet facilities, a top priority has been the design and construction of latrines and on Tuesday, the team worked alongside local people in the village of Irz to build some for the community.

REACT Response Teams arrived in the village early in the morning and quickly forged partnerships with the local residents, after being introduced to local primary school teacher Mustafa. Mustafa welcomed the team and took on the role of translator as they carried out a rapid needs assessment in the village. The team quickly discovered that although the community had successfully built two female toilets, a lack of money had prevented them from constructing latrines for the men.

Determined to make a difference, Responders worked together with the locals to identify a suitable location for the much-needed male toilets. Working hand in hand with the community, they cleared the area and sourced and purchased the materials needed for the job. 

The team worked alongside Hassan, a skilled local engineer who had previously been involved in constructing the female latrines. He was able to assist with the installation of plumbing systems.

This collaborative effort not only addressed a critical sanitation need, but also fostered a strong relationship between the REACT team and the people of Irz. The community's morale received a significant boost as they saw the tangible impact of their teamwork. Engineer Hassan also made use of the team’s medical skills when he managed to cut himself during the build, with Responder Lawrie administering first aid quickly. 

The improved sanitation facilities not only enhance the health and hygiene of the village but also stand as a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of both the local community and the REACT volunteers. 

REACT teams are continuing to support people affected by the earthquake in Morocco, where urgent needs include the provision of shelter, sanitation support and medical assistance. 

Please consider making a donation to our Morocco Earthquake Appeal today.