Leogane, Haiti - March 31, 2010 - IRD and LDS Emergency Response completed tours of projects in Haiti, a little more than two months after the devastating earthquake. With an initial $75,000 grant from LDS, IRD has been able to begin a comprehensive sanitation program for those displaced by the quake, with more work to come.

“We’re partnering with IRD to build sanitation stations, shelters, and provide supplies to Leogane,” said Lynn Samsil, LDS Emergency Response Manager. “We’re excited to work with them again.”

Latrine construction is IRD’s principal undertaking in the Grand Riviere and Gros Morne sections of Leogane. IRD began construction on February 19 for 1,200 latrines—1,000 individual latrines and 20 block latrines that contain 10 seats each. An LDS grant and additional funding from the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) helped launch the construction for the initial latrines. Their efforts will be expanded on in the future as Haiti continues to struggle with adequate shelter and sanitation for the more than 3 million people affected by the quake.

As part of that expansion, IRD received more than $6.3 million in support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As part of the USAID award, IRD plans latrines and hygiene promotions for another 28,000 individuals.

Watch the video of LDS project manager Bertouni Theodore describing the project, and footage of a sanitation training at a local camp.

Latrine construction also has the benefit of immediately engaging residents in cash-for-work activities. Temporary employment will continue to be a significant component of all projects.

“We’re going to be working with local people to build hundreds of these latrines for thousands of people,” said Adam Koons, IRD Director of Emergency Relief. “For many people, this is the first time they’ve received access to any sanitation facilities since the earthquake.”