In the heart of the Northern Province, the Kabala Market serves as a daily hub for over 1,000 petty traders and community members. However, prior to our intervention, the market’s sanitary facilities were in a state of severe disrepair, posing significant health risks and limiting access to safe hygiene for the community.

We are proud to share a progress update on our latest service initiative: The Rehabilitation of Kabala Main Market Sanitary Facility. Funded by a District 9101 Grant, this project is not just about construction; it is about ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and dignity.

A Community-Led Transformation

From the very beginning, this project has been driven by community engagement. We held initial stakeholder meetings with key local figures, including the District Council Chairman, the Ward Councillor, and the Market Women Leader.

To ensure high standards, our team including the Club President, Project Service Director, and Fundraising Director, has conducted three joint monitoring visits.

What We Have Achieved So Far

Significant infrastructure improvements have been made to modernize the facility. Key upgrades completed as of August 2025 include:

• Inclusive Design: Separate partitions for males, females, and persons with disabilities, including ramp access for better accessibility.
• Improved Durability: Wooden doors replaced with metal doors to improve security and durability. Ground tiles installed in all partitions.
• Hygiene & Plumbing: New pipes installed to ensure smooth water flow for handwashing. A separate external wash area for vendors was constructed, replacing the previously shared space.
• Comfort & Safety: Adapted toilet seats suitable for both rainy and dry seasons installed. Lighting and ventilation around the facility improved.
• Maintenance: A caretaker has been employed to oversee daily cleaning and control.

Visual Progress: From the initial feasibility studies to the final plumbing work, the physical transformation is undeniable. Recent “After” photos show two layers of external painting completed, ventilation holes created, and the new adapted toilet seats fixed.

Impact and Sustainability

The impact of this project is already being felt. We have significantly improved access to clean sanitation and reduced health risks for market users. To ensure long-term sustainability, the facility includes a rainwater harvesting system and relies on community-led maintenance.

The Road Ahead

While we have faced challenges, such as tight schedules for monitoring visits and limited funding for travel, our commitment remains strong. We are entering the final phase of the project with the following activities scheduled for completion by the third week of September 2025:

1. Community Advisory Committee: Establishing a body to oversee maintenance and feedback.
2. Hygiene Promotion: Conducting educational outreach to encourage proper facility use.
3. Official Launch: The official handover of the facility to the community.

Thank you to all the Rotarians who actively participated in grant writing, planning, and oversight. Together, we are building a healthier future for Kabala.