Shower containers: escapes don’t just happen in the Mediterranean
People on the mainland are also stranded at Europe’s external borders.
Once they arrive here, they are housed in reception camps under unacceptable conditions. This does not even begin to fulfill humane living conditions.
Dignity is the key word here.
On the run, anything that gives people back their dignity helps. Through the SOS Bihac association, which provides humanitarian support for the Lipa camp, we received reports about the catastrophic hygiene conditions, especially in the Lipa camp in Bosnia. There are 10 shower facilities for every 1000 residents. This had to be remedied. After a brief brainstorming session, we quickly agreed that a sea container with showers could be a solution. Transportable, durable, easy to dismantle.
In line with our motto “Let’s just do it”, we even found a used sanitary container instead of a sea container, which we were able to finance with the kind support of Seebrücke Bad Kreuznach.
In order to adapt the container to the conditions and requirements on site, we had to change some of the installations.
The boiler was removed because it was heating too slowly. To ensure an uninterrupted supply of hot water, it was replaced by several instantaneous water heaters. The electrical installation has been checked and secured. The dilapidated mixers and shower heads were replaced. Cherry red color was the icing on the cake when preparing the container.
The container is twenty feet long, has five showers, five washing areas and storage space for hygiene articles.
If you also have the feeling that you want to do something yourself, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s hands-on or on a laptop, whether you’re a member of the association or not, whether with us or with other NGOs, everyone can be a Sea Punk and change things and make a difference.
The question may arise: “What am I supposed to do? I can’t do anything.” Wrong! This is exactly why we show you ways in which you can get involved to show solidarity with people on the run.