Scene 5: Extracting Elevations and Pitching the Pilot Program


After purchasing the materials for a door to cover the urinal in the men’s bathroom, the group left it to the community leaders to build it during thanksgiving break. When we returned, the door was not built. Additionally, we were not able to make it out to Langrug on Friday December 6th due to Mandela’s death. We needed to get the elevation measurements for the Zwelitsha site, so we asked the community leaders and co-researchers to collect that information for us.

The group was looking to implement more improvements to the current Langrug WaSH facility. An idea brought up by David, the manager of Batho’s Place, was to advertise the services provided with a sign. Another idea developed by Scott and Baraka was to have the caretakers sell health and hygiene products to the community, and the profits would help subsidize their salary.

Cast of Characters:

WaSH team, Trevor, Poto, Sheila


WaSH facility, Zwelitsha Facility Site


As the group pulls into Langrug, we notice a new wall inside the facility. Entering the facility, we discover that the urinal door had been built over the weekend. Trevor meets with us and tells us he took the elevation measurements with the co-researchers on Friday, and he will show us the elevations on the site. Joe and Mackenzie go with Trevor to check out the elevations, while Morgan and Ivette stay at the WaSH facility to speak with the caretakers.

Trevor shows Joe and Mackenzie the markings he made on the surrounding fence at the Zwelitsha site. Each of the elevations are given in reference to a starting point of 800 cm. While some of the measurements he gives us are very precise, some elevations are given in a 100 cm range. Because the ground is so unleveled, a certain level of estimation is necessary. Many elevation measurements around the perimeter of the site are recorded.

Trevor, Joe, and Mackenzie go back to the WaSH facility, using the elevation measurements to determine an estimated amount of crushed stone, cement, and brick needed for the foundation of the facility. Trevor is knowledgeable about how much material is necessary, and is able to quickly give the group numbers to calculate. These numbers are essential for putting together a preliminary budget.

Meanwhile Morgan and Ivette sit down with the caretakers to discuss the idea of having a sign for the current facility, and possibly for the Zwelitsha facility. At first, it is difficult to explain. Then, we mention the sign in front of Bathos’ place and they soon understand what our idea is about. Ivette and Morgan begin drawing up a sign. The caretakers add to the drawing and seem content with the idea. They say that some people do not know much about the services that they offer. Some residents think you have to pay for all of the services. The sign, the caretakers say, will bring more users.

Before we leave, Trevor writes down something in a notebook and hands it to Joe. It is the professional labor hours he put in for building the urinal wall, and he requests compensation.

Reflection and Learning:

We were glad to see that the Trevor took the initiative to build the urinal wall, and that Trevor had worked with the co-researchers to take the elevation measurements while when we were not in town. When Trevor asked us for money, it put us in an uncomfortable position, however we could understand where he was coming from. He had put in the time to build the urinal wall, and as a community leader his efforts are often taken for granted. Additionally, it was a relief to discover that the caretakers were on-board with the idea of having a sign. They showed enthusiasm with the input they gave on what products they thought would work be best for the community.