Location
Vaipu’a, Savaii, Samoa
Community Description
Vaipua is a small rural village with a population of 650 people on the southwest coast of the large island of Savaii in Samoa.
There is a very active Women’s Committee, a primary school that serves both Vaipua and Fogasavaii villages, and a developing tourist beach area.
Vaipua has progressive village leaders who have recently passed village laws to improve the environment. One such law now prohibits the use of chemicals on local crops.
The village suffers from the absence of a system to deal with solid waste. This adversely affects the daily life in the community as well as the economic opportunities for the residents.
The village currently experiences fumes from burning plastics when trash is burned. Family rubbish disposal areas are located near public pathways and inside yards.
Economic development from beach tourism is hampered by unsanitary conditions caused by garbage being disposed of on beaches.
Project Description
This project is to build ten community rubbish bins and stands along the main road of the community.
Project funds will be used to purchase the materials for the construction of the bins and stands.
The project was developed by the Vaipua Women’s Committee to promote a safe and healthy rubbish disposal program. It is designed to encourage all Vaipua families to deposit their household non-biodegradable waste, such as cans, metals, plastics and clothing in a proper manner. The rubbish placed in the bins will be picked up weekly by the Samoan Waste Disposal Services.
This project will include promotional signs and materials as well as an information session on the proper separation of solid household waste and the benefits of composting.
Once the rubbish bins are built, the Matai Chief Council will pass a village rule that non-biodegradable rubbish may not be disposed of anywhere but in the bins. The Women’s Committee will head the supervision and enforcement of these new regulations, and will conduct regular inspections.
Project Impact
This project will benefit the 650 people of the village.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Elisa Law
Comments
This project will inspire residents to change their behavior from throwing rubbish behind their homes to using the designated stands, allowing the waste to be properly handled and disposed of.
The unhealthful burning of plastics will be eliminated in the village.
The proper disposal of solid waste also has the potential for improving the quality of the groundwater in the community, as contamination will be reduced or prevented.
Dollar Amount of Project
$450.00
Donations Collected to Date
$450.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Elisa Law of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by her and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.