Work is progressing well on the construction of a new toilet and shower block at Katombora Reform School in Livingstone.

Our bespoke design for the block features three toilets, three urinals, four wash basins and four showers.

The current facilities are woefully inadequate. As a result the new block will help improve health and hygiene at the school. This is vital in the battle against infectious diseases like COVID-19.

This work is part of the Rise Again Project, a three-year project working in partnership with human rights organisation Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP) and funded by the European Union.

Work on the new facilities began in October with setting out and excavations.

The sceptic tank and soakaway were shored during excavation to prevent the sandy soil collapsing.

We carefully considered safety and robustness when coming up with our design. The structure is oval shaped – it is very open with no dark corners.

In addition, materials have been chosen carefully with nothing that can be turned into sharp objects – no glass or tiles. The walls will have a rendered finish to make it easier to keep them clean and hygienic.

After the foundation blockwork was completed, work moved onto back filling and compaction.

The water supply to the current facilities is rationed and very unreliable.

The new block will be entirely independent to the rest of the school for its water and power supply.

Pipes were laid and formwork prepared.

The concrete slab was then poured. Work on the superstructure is now beginning.

We look forward to sharing more photos as work progresses.