DATU BLAH SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte -- To ensure proper hygiene and sanitation, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) through its Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program, started the construction of latrines or emergency toilets upon the delivery of construction materials and cleaning kits at the evacuation centers in the barangays of Penansaran, Pura, and Matuber, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Cement, fine aggregates, reinforcing bars, hardwood, nails, corrugated sheets, and laminated sacks were some of the construction materials sent.

According to Erika Alim, MSSD WASH Focal Person, there will be 10 doors of latrines and another 10 doors of bathing areas that will be constructed and competed within three (3) days.

“We will be constructing latrines at evacuation camps in order to secure the proper human waste disposal and prevent the spread of excreta-related diseases and other infections through direct and indirect routes,” said Alim.

MSSD is also set to construct similar WASH facilities at the evacuation centers in the barangays of Badak and Dinaig in Datu Odin Sinsuat. Under WASH Program, aside from latrines, MSSD already provided water kits with disinfection tablets, and hygiene kits to the displaced families. MSSD also conducted water testing, installed water stations and started regular water rationing at the evacuation centers last week. (JBL / BARMM - MSSD)