Once installation of low-cost measures have begun in communities, then it is appropriate to develop public awareness documentation alerting residents in the community to simple measures that they can undertake to improve the management of slope stability. For example preparation of a document illustrating ways of keeping water off slopes was a valuable communication tool in the wider sensitisation process as well as being of important practical significance.
A critical feature of both creating and maintaining public awareness within a community is a ‘Show home’. MoSSaiC has established show homes in two unplanned housing communities in Castries, St Lucia. The show homes have been fitted with a 450 gallon water tank to collect roof water, overflow from that tank into appropriate surface drains, grey water from kitchen and bath room is similarly piped to the adjacent drain. Having a very visible reminder within the community of good practice is an encouragement to the wider community to follow such installation practice
Posters provide an additional reminder to communities of the potential benefits of good water management and help to raise awareness. MoSSaiC has designed a suite of such material. Posters are now displayed on the Show Home in the Skate Town Community and in the shops and bars within that community
As projects are undertaken in communities, and especially in those comprising unplanned housing and those that are perhaps the most vulnerable, it is important that all media outlets are used to convey the project objectives, to raise awareness and to sensitise the communities to the real advantages of landslide risk reduction measures. MoSSaiC has given TV and radio briefings as the projects have developed and ensured that community members themselves present to the media.