USAID Inaugurates Sanitation Facilities at Thazanguda

August 29, 2007

THAZANGUDA –U.S. Consul General David T. Hopper inaugurated a new sanitation system at the Government Middle School in Thazanguda, a community severely damaged by the December 2004 tsunami. Mr. Rajendra Ratnoo, District Collector of Cuddalore, and Mr. Veerachamy, Chief Educational Officer, also attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hopper said, “Today we are here to mark the opening of a school sanitation system. We believe that it will improve the quality of life of those affected by the tsunami.”

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under its tsunami relief program, supported the construction of the sanitation system by Catholic Relief Services.

Serving 375 students, the sanitation system includes new toilets and a waste water treatment component that collects waste water from the toilets and treats it – making it suitable for discharge. The low-cost system uses appropriate technology and is easy to maintain.

The USAID tsunami relief program has been instrumental in bringing about social change in targeted tsunami affected villages. It has improved personal hygiene habits and sanitation, necessary for the health of communities. Local communities have actively participated in this program, contributing their time and resources and taking ownership of the systems and programs which will ensure a lasting improvement in sanitary conditions.