‘VIP’ latrines
GUYANA Environmental Capacity Development Project (GENCAPD) is working, on behalf of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Ministry of Health, in the construction and installation of prototype ‘VIP’ latrines for gold and diamond miners.

An official close to the initiative said the abbreviation does not mean those using the facilities would be very important persons (VIP) but it is the short for Ventilated Improved Pits, which are recommended for use in the outdoors, in country areas near hinterland mining camps.

GENCAPD is a mining assistance programme being funded by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Development Agency (CIDA).

Its aim is to have qualified builders erect latrines which could demonstrate, to miners, what will be the required standard, in terms of improved hygiene, sanitation and environmental health, in their working area, meaning best practices in camp cleanliness.

GENCAPD has invited tenders for the building and installing of two dry and two flush latrines, one of each kind in Regions One (Barima/Waini) and Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).

The requirement is for the VIP latrines to be made of materials which are available to miners at their locations and must be affordable, preferably steel drums which are easily accessible and the closing date for bids is February 5