We see value in bringing quality, durable and audience-appropriate facilities to people on the move. During the nearly three years that we concentrated our operations in Moria camp, we focussed on simultaneously maximising the number of facilities available to residents whilst ensuring they are durable and easy to maintain in both design and material.
To achieve this goal, we carried out 13 container refurbishment projects and 15 container installations whilst in Moria. Through our experience and from communication with camp residents, we gathered an understanding of how the facilities were used. In response, we constructed multifunctional, needs-based solutions.
The existing WASH containers we encountered in the camp were not an optimal use of the space. So, starting with the sanitation facilities in the worst state, we tackled one container at a time.
The process: Our technicians start by stripping out the container until only the exterior walls remain, after a thorough deep clean, the rebuild commences. We install durable chequered plate flooring with a large drainage gully, creating a wet-room so, just like our WASHpads, the containers manage grey water effectively and are easy to fix, clean and maintain. After installing the floor-to-ceiling interior walls, we manage to create 6 (or 5 where accessible facilities are included) individual cubicles that each contain a squat toilet, a bidet hose, a shower hose, a sink and tap; where there were previously just three toilets and a sink room, for example. The plumbing is accessible, therefore easy to repair, replace or unblock. The rooms are well ventilated, contain LED lighting strips for visibility and security at night, and hot water is available through the solar powered boilers.
The fact that these “3-in-1” cubicles are independent bathrooms allows women to take care of their menstrual cycles with privacy and dignity. The design also enables families to manage “bath time” in a private space, yet still large enough for a parent to assist several young children with showering. The wet room means that the spaces are easy and quick for cleaning contractors to clean and disinfect on a daily basis, and equally as straight forward for our team to conduct a thorough deep clean with the use of a pressure washer.
The experience that we built in Moria camp facilitated the development of our custom designed, multipurpose solution for WASH containers. A robust and dignified design which we hope to replicate in future projects.
