Why Build a Cistern? Why Build a Dry Latrine?

Here are some pictures of the area where we live. In the dry season, people have to walk miles to get water.



We help people build cisterns next to their house. With gutters, they can use their roof to collect rainwater and fill the cistern. The cistern can hold almost 17,000 liters of water, which can last a family of six about 4 to 5 months.
A number of families have both a cistern and a dry latrine. With the cistern, they can collect and save rainwater for domestic use. With the dry latrine, they can save water, reduce air and water contamination, and have a more dignified place to poop and pee. The dry latrine is also know as a "composting toilet" because once the excrement decomposes, it can be used as organic fertilizer on cornfields.