All weather solar passive handwash drinking water facility
borda_freelance
A Clean Start: Building Sustainable Handwashing Facilities in Leh's Schools
Access to clean water and proper hygiene facilities is critical for maintaining health and well-being, especially in schools where children are most vulnerable to illnesses caused by poor sanitation. The Hansaflex Project, implemented by LEDeG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group), aims to address these challenges by constructing all-weather solar-passive handwashing and drinking water facilities in four schools across Leh. This initiative focuses on promoting hygiene practices, conserving water, and utilizing sustainable construction techniques tailored to the cold desert climate of Ladakh. By prioritizing locally available materials and passive solar design, the project not only improves sanitation infrastructure but also emphasizes environmental and cultural sustainability.
Summary Status
The construction project to build four hand washing facilities at schools in Leh has been successfully completed. Despite pandemic-related delays, all facilities are now operational and have been handed over to the respective schools. The schools are now responsible for the operation of the facilities, but will continue to be supported by LEDeG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group). LEDeG will monitor the condition of the facilities to ensure that they are used sustainably. Each facility is in line with the original design, using local materials to facilitate construction and ensure long-term sustainability.
Despite pandemic-related school closures, the facilities were completed and inspected by LEDeG in time to ensure that they were operational. The opening ceremonies took place after the schools reopened. Students will be able to use the new hand washing facilities especially during the winter when they are needed most.
Project completion: an overview of successes
| No. | School Name | Students | Nearest Town | Conditions | Expenditure (in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government Girl’s High School, Leh | 200 | 0 km | Facility is completed and was handed over on the 12th of August 2021. | Rs 3,00,000 |
| 2 | Government High Secondary School, Khaltse | 300 | 95 km | Facility was completed in October 2021 and handed over on the 10th of November 2021. | Rs 3,00,000 |
| 3 | Council School, Sakti | 130 | 50 km | Facility was completed on the 25th of August 2021 and handed over on 10th of September 2021. | Rs 2,60,000 |
| 4 | Government Cluster School, Skyagam | 65 | 400 km | Facility was completed on the 30th of October 2021 and handed over on the 20th of November 2021. | Rs 2,90,000 |
| Total Expenditure | Rs 11,50,000 |
