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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

bulding materials, mozambique, latrines, open wells

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

The research that I conducted this year was in the area of sustainable building materials. I worked with a team of six engineers to develop a sustainable building material that would be able to withstand the heavy monsoon rains common to the area of Beira, Mozambique. Every year, these rains destroy up to 60% of the local buildings, consisting mainly of local residences made from mud, straw, and sticks. This destruction and the resultant flooding causes an unsafe and unsanitary condition for the local residents. One of the most dangerous aspects of this flooding is the problem of the sanitation. Latrines in the area are basically shallow holes in the ground that are usually overflowing. Whenever the flooding comes, the contents of the latrines are mixed with exposed and open wells. This contamination of the drinking water is detrimental to the local villagers. Many of them have no idea that their drinking water is being contaminated.

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