Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Case Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1. INDONESIA:
INDONESIA
Shifting the focus for sanitation in the Second Water and Sanitation for Low Income Communities Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Nina Shatifan, WSLIC 2 Project
2. VIETNAM:
VIETNAM
The sum is greater than the parts: An investigation of Plan in Vietnam’s double-vault composting latrine program in northern Vietnam . . . . 17
Ben Cole, Environmental Health Consultant; Pham Duc Phuc, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology; and John Collett, Plan in Vietnam
3. VANUATU:
VANUATU
Putting community development principles into practice: A case study of a rural water, sanitation and hygiene project in Vanuatu . . . . . . . . . 22
Gabrielle Halcrow and John Donnelly, World Vision Australia
4. VIETNAM:
VIETNAM
To their credit: How three Mekong Delta towns have used revolving funds to increase coverage of septic tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Le Thi Hao, Penny Dutton and Geoff Bridger, 3DT WSS Project
5. FIJI:
FIJI
The Sanitation Park Project: A regional initiative to increase participatory approaches in the sanitation sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Rhonda Bower, SOPAC; Dr Leonie Crennan, Institute for Uncertain Futures; and Kamal Khatri, SOPAC
6. TIMOR LESTE:
TIMOR LESTE
A journey from subsidy to Community Led Total Sanitation: The experience of WaterAid Australia and Plan in Timor Leste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Dinesh Bajracharya, WaterAid Australia
7. PAPUA NEW
PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
GUINEA
8. INDONESIA:
INDONESIA
9. INDONESIA:
TONGA, VANUATU, TUVALU AND KIRIBATI
L. CRENNAN; SOPAC
About the organisations and authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8 Foreword
One common shortcoming in sanitation program strategies is neglect of the differences from
water supply. Whereas water supply requires decisions at the level of the community, installing
a latrine is largely a decision for the individual household, who must first be persuaded of its
advantages. On the other hand, some approaches have mobilised community institutions and
processes to convince many individuals to act together, building social capital and community
spirit at the same time.
This book provides an opportunity for those in the region who work in sanitation to share
their experiences—whether they started out as engineers, educators, public health workers,
marketers, anthropologists or development generalists. I hope that by doing so, it will help
to develop a genuine community of practitioners in this field, and to mobilise them to still
greater efforts.
Sandy Cairncross
Professor of Environmental Health
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
IMAGE COURTESY OF WEDC. © BRIAN SKINNER
2
Introduction
3
The importance of sanitation and hygiene
Diarrhoeal diseases account for 4.1 percent The health benefits of sanitation and hygiene
of the global burden of disease or 1.8 million in preventing diarrhoeal disease is born out in
deaths per year, of which 90 percent are the evidence: safe excreta disposal results in
children under 5 (WHO 2004). Eighty-eight an estimated 36% reduction in diarrhoea under
percent of diarrhoeal diseases are attributable typical conditions, while hygiene promotion
to poor water supply, sanitation and hygiene. accounts for an additional 48% reduction in
In South East Asia and the Pacific, an diarrhoea (Cairncross and Valdmanis 2006).4
estimated 80,000 deaths of children under In fact, the single hygiene behaviour of hand
five are caused by diarrhoeal diseases each washing with soap could alone reduce risk of
year (WVA and WAAus 2007). diarrhoeal diseases by 42-47% (Curtis and
4
Sanitation is essential for human dignity, • Sanitation and hygiene are intensely
safety, security and comfort. Defecation is personal and difficult to discuss. In many
closely associated with cleanliness in many cultures, sanitation is not a comfortable
cultures, and being forced to defecate in the topic of discussion. Social norms and
open is a humiliating experience for many. cultural taboos governing relationships
Open defecation can be a dangerous may hinder frank discussion and complicate
experience for women and young girls, who efforts to bring sensitive issues to the fore.
risk sexual harassment if forced to defecate Sanitation and hygiene education programs,
in the open at night.5 Access to sanitation is messages and materials are often adapted
known to be a determinant of school attend- from outside sources, with little relevance
ance, particularly for young girls. Indeed, to local modes of transferring knowledge
improved access to sanitation is fundamental (Crennan 2005).
to human development. • Interventions focus on building toilets,
not changing behaviours. Sanitation
The sanitation gap projects often focus on toilet construction
The F-diagram: Faecal-oral transmission routes of disease and control barriers or ‘latrinisation’ rather than sustained
So why is there such a large gap in sanitation
behaviour change (WaterAid 2006). Success
Adapted from Water and Sanitation Collaborative Council and World Health Organisation (2005). Sanitation and Hygiene coverage and usage and why do hygiene
Promotion, Programming Guidance (after Wagner and Lanoix 1958) is most often measured by the number of
practices remain poor? Whilst there are
toilets built rather than the actual use of
numerous reasons, the following rank
these facilities or of the adoption of hand
amongst the most important:
washing and other hygiene practices. On-
Addressing Sanitation needs in the region: The basics • Demand for sanitation is low or not fully going maintenance of sanitation facilities
The 2007 World Vision Australia and WaterAid Australia report ‘Getting the basics right: expressed, and households often consider the and periodic hygiene promotion beyond
Water Supply and Sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific’ highlights the following cost of investment too high. Few unserved the construction period is often neglected,
water and sanitation statistics for the region: households are fully aware of the invisible resulting in poor upkeep of facilities and
• In South East Asia and the Pacific, 80,000 children under five die each year of diarrhoea costs of inadequate sanitation, including inconsistencies in behaviour.
diseases. This translates into one child every seven minutes. poor health, lower productivity, inconvenience • Political and institutional barriers remain
• The annual benefits to the region of meeting the MDG targets on water and and environmental degradation. Since high. Sanitation has not been a priority in
sanitation include: these households are usually the poor the policies and budgets of national
• 42 million less cases of diarrhoea; and marginalised, existing demand for governments. Lack of clear responsibility for
sanitation is often ignored (Robinson 2007). sanitation activities created by ‘institutional
• 18 million more school days and 167 million more work days, equating to
Although women may express desire for fragmentation’ and the absence of national-
AU$936 million in direct health savings; and
sanitation facilities, they may have only level sanitation policies are compounded by
• Total economic benefits of over AU$15 billion. capacity gaps at the local government level
limited influence on household decision-
• The annual costs of meeting the MDG targets in terms of investment in the region making. And even if demand for latrines is (ODI 2006). The coupling of sanitation and
would be AU$6.4 billion. high, if affordable options do not exist hygiene with water supply, despite the very
• In South East Asia and the Pacific, the number of people without access to sanitation households will be unwilling to invest. different issues surrounding each, has
is double the number without water supply. resulted in most investment going to water
• The number of people without sanitation in rural areas of the region is more than supply (WVA and WWAus 2007)).
three times that of urban dwellers.
5 In some cultures, women can go out for defecation and urination only under the cover of darkness, with potential negative
health impacts such as increased prevalence of urinary track infections (Cairncross and Valdmanis 2006).
5
Closing the gap: What have we learned?
Focus on behaviour change Stimulate demand, secure supply Sanitation Marketing: Balancing Supply and Demand
The sanitation sector has attempted to Steps also need to be taken to increase In many countries, the informal private sector (usually small independent providers)
address these challenges as knowledge and the expression of informed demand and to provides the majority of houses with sanitation facilities. Most toilets are built through
experience accumulates. Over time, with the improve access to sanitation hardware. While the natural market, rather than through externally-supported programs. Sanitation marketing
growing recognition of the households’ there is some debate about the best approach, uses commercial marketing approaches to create demand for sanitation and to strengthen
willingness and ability to invest in sanitation, stimulating demand in any given context will the informal private sector’s capacity to supply appropriate good quality toilets.
there has been a shift from top-down supply- include a mix of marketing, promotion and
Sanitation marketing is a kind of ‘social marketing’ which applies the ‘four Ps’ of
driven projects to an emphasis on bottom- educational strategies (de Bruijne et al. 2007).
commercial marketing: product, price, place and promotion. In commercial marketing,
up, demand-led approaches (de Bruijne et al. As with hygiene promotion, this requires an
research is conducted to understand what people want and are willing to pay for.
2007). This shift has seen a far greater emphasis in-depth understanding of what people do and,
Products are developed, priced, tested and promoted, targeting groups who are most
placed on ‘software’ elements of sanitation more importantly, what they want. Indeed, in
likely to purchase the product. In ‘social marketing’, the principles and techniques are
initiatives (e.g. hygiene education, demand terms of user motivation for building a house-
the same, but the benefit or ‘profit’ goes to the consumer and the community as a whole.
creation, policy and regulation) rather than hold latrine, there is a strong indication that
on ‘hardware’ or technical components. The health concerns are secondary to other To develop the sanitation market, suppliers need to make reasonable profits and
challenge for most sanitation programs has concerns such as convenience, comfort, consumers need to feel satisfied with the products and services they receive. Sanitation
thus become how to support household safety (particularly for women) and status. is treated like a consumer product, attractively packaged to suit various wealth
investments and behaviour change, rather than WSSCC and WHO (2005) highlight four key categories and marketed widely.
how to build and finance more toilet construction drivers of household demand that need to
Source: Obika, A. 2004. The process for sanitation marketing. WELL Fact Sheet.
(WSSCC and WHO 2005). The shift in focus has be addressed: Available at www.lboro.ac.uk/well/resources/fact-sheets.
also meant there is a much greater emphasis • Awareness of affordable options and
on the role played by strong policy and the their benefits;
need to establish an enabling environment. • Priority for investing in a latrine over
Caption
Rather than tacking on a poorly conceived other potential investments;
hygiene campaign to what is essentially a • Access to a service provider; and
latrine construction project, those designing • Influence and ability to take decisions.
sanitation initiatives are now encouraged to The goal is to turn toilets into attractive
plan and install hardware within the frame- consumer items on the demand side, whilst
work of an overall ‘hygiene improvement’ on the supply side ensuring that cheap and
program (WSSCC and WHO 2005). Experience appropriate options are available for every
with hygiene interventions suggests the need budget.
to design a small number of clear and relevant
6 Evidence on hygiene promotion programs suggests that too many hygiene messages confuse and tire an audience;
the most relevant messages to achieve the desired outcome should be prioritised (e.g. not defecating in the open,
washing hands after defecation) and targeted at specific groups (Curtis et al. 2000).
6
Community-Led Total Sanitation: Creating Community Demand
Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) uses a participatory process that allows the
whole community to work out how to stop all open defecation and improve their natural
and social environments using their own resources. External or village facilitators kindle
feelings among people of shame and disgust about open defecation. Once ‘triggered’,
the community unites to make changes using their own resources. This helps in creating
a receptive environment for the adoption of improved practices in hand washing with
soap, safe handling of food and water as well as safe disposal of excreta, solid waste
and wastewater.
The approach is based on the assumption that the community has the strength and
willingness to overcome their own sanitation problems. It recognizes that outsiders
may be needed to help a community identify their current situation and the need for
improvement but that given support, a community that wants to change can plan and
implement solutions that meet their own needs.
D. BAJRACHARYA
In this case study collection, practical implementation of the CLTS approach in two
countries is discussed:
Toilet built from local materials in CLTS pilot village, Timor Leste (see Case Study 6)
• Case Study 1 describes the process of institutional change required to scale up and
ensure sustainability of the CLTS approach in Indonesia
• Case Study 6 looks at the early impact of CLTS on two pilot villages in Timor Leste
Source: WaterAid West Africa. 2006. Community Led Total Sanitation Manual. Developed at the WaterAid West Africa
Regional Workshop, Vandeikya LGA, Benue State, Nigeria, 20-29 November 2006.
7
Defining sustainable sanitation • Technology and operation, the functionality
and ease with which the system can be
Understanding sanitation systems, choosing appropriate Good practice in sanitation has come to be
constructed, operated and maintained
technologies closely associated with better understanding
using available human resources and
Smart Sanitation Solutions (NWP 2006) presents a range of innovative technologies end users’ needs and preferences,
materials, including technical design;
for low cost sanitation. In choosing a technology, the five components of a sanitation stimulating demand and improving the
robustness of the system; vulnerability
system need to be considered: supply of a range of appropriate options.
to disasters; and adaptability of technical
At the same time, there has also been a
Toilets: The primary barrier between people and pathogens, the designated place components to existing infrastructure
greater recognition of the need to think more
where excreta is collected. Options include dry toilets, such as various types of pit and socio-cultural contexts;
holistically about the various dimensions
latrines and dry composting toilets, or wet toilets such as pour-flush latrines. of sanitation systems. The Sustainable • Financial and economic issues, the
Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA 2007) groups capacity to pay for sanitation, including
Collection: A facility which safely contains human excreta awaiting transportation,
these into five key sustainability criteria: investment; operation and maintenance
which may also include pre-treatment of excreta.
costs; and the economic benefits of a
Transportation: A system of removing excreta which can not be treated or used on-site, • Health, including risks of exposure to system (e.g. through the use of recyclables
including infrastructure-bases systems such as sewer networks and regular transport pathogens at all points of the sanitation for agriculture, employment creation,
such as trucks, vacuum tankers, carts and tricycles. system; hygiene; nutrition and livelihood increased productivity and lowered public
improvements; and downstream impacts; health expenditures);
Treatment: The process of reducing pathogens in excreta to prevent infection of
• Environment and natural resources, • Socio-cultural and institutional aspects,
people and pollution of the environment. Treatment can happen on-site or off-site,
including all the energy, water and other including acceptance and expressed
and involves primary treatment, which reduces volume, weight and pathogens and
natural resources required for construction, need; appropriateness of a system; user
secondary treatment, which reduces pathogens to acceptable limits.
operation and maintenance, as well as the perceptions; gender issues; contributions
Use of sanitation products: Reuse, recycling and recovery of materials and energy degree to which recycling and reuse is to subsistence economies and food security;
from excreta or wastewater. Excreta has high nitrogen and phosphorus content and practiced (e.g. through safe reuse of waste- and legal and institutional aspects.
thus has high fertilizer value. Excreta can be used as a soil conditioner and can also water or composted material, recycling of
generate biogas for household cooking and heating. If excreta and/or wastewater nutrients for agriculture and production
can not be used, it must be disposed of safely. of renewable energies);
Philippines Sanitation Sourcebook and Decision Aid, WSP, GTZ and AusAID, 2006.
Available at www.wsp.org
ATprojects
necessary, with the selection of a sanitation Locally designed ‘ATloos’ in Papua New Guinea (see Case Study 7)
8
All of the dimensions of sanitation should be Sustainable sanitation thus presents a References
considered when designing, implementing framework or approach for assessing what Asian Development Bank (ADB) (2007). Dignity, Disease and UNDP (2006). Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global
and assessing sanitation initiatives. There is works and what doesn’t work in a given Dollars: Asia’s urgent sanitation challenge. Discussion note water crisis. Human Development Report 2006, UNDP.
accompanying a presentation by the ADB at Stockholm World
clearly no single ‘sustainable’ model for all context. While decisions will be context Water Week, 12-18 August 2007. Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC)
situations: a particular sanitation solution dependent, it is clear that learning about and World Health Organisation (WHO). (2005). Sanitation
Cairncross, S. and Valdmanis, S. (2006). Water supply, and Hygiene Promotion Programme Guidance.
might fulfil the criteria to a great extent in what works in one setting can help to inform sanitation and hygiene promotion. In Jamison, D.T., Breman, Geneva: WSSCC and WHO.
one setting, but might be completely decision-making in others. J.G., Measham, A.R. et al. (Eds.), Disease Control Priorities in
Developing Countries (pp. 771-792). Washington D.C.: WaterAid (2006). Total sanitation in South Asia: The
unsustainable in another. challenges ahead. Discussion paper prepared for the second
World Bank.
South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN), May
Curtis, V. and Cairncross, S. (2003). Effect of washing hands 2006.
with soap on diarrhoea risk in the community: a systematic
World Health Organisation (2004). Water, Sanitation and
Ecological Sanitation: A new paradigm? review. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 3(5), 275-81.
Hygiene Links to Health: Facts and Figures – Updated
Ecological sanitation, ‘eco-san’ or ‘eco-sanitation’ is an approach to sanitation which Curtis, V., Cairncross, S. and Yonli, R. (2000). Domestic November 2004.
hygiene and diarrhoea, pinpointing the problem. Tropical
treats human excreta as a resource that can be recovered for use in agriculture. Medicine and International Health, 5(1), 22-32. World Vision Australia (WVA) and WaterAid Australia
Ecological sanitation is based on three fundamental principles: (WAAus). 2007. Getting the Basics Right: Water and
Crennan, L. Equitable management of water and sanitation Sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific.
• Preventing pollution rather than attempting to control it; in Pacific Island Countries. SOPAC Technical Report 388. Melbourne: World Vision Australia.
Suva: SOPAC.
• Sanitising the urine and the faeces; and
• Using the safe products for agricultural purposes. de Bruijne, G., Geurts, M. and Appleton, B. (2007). Sanitation
for All? IRC Thematic Overview Paper 20. The Netherlands:
Ecological sanitation is based on the recovery and safe reuse of nutrients (nitrogen, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre.
phosphorus and potassium) from human excreta, and can be considered a sustainable, Hutton, G., Haller, L., and Bertram, J. (2006). Economic and
closed-loop system, in contrast with conventional approaches which dispose of health effects of increasing coverage of low cost water and
sanitation interventions. Human Development Report Office
nutrients in a linear flow. Benefits of the approach include the prevention of pathogens
Occasional Paper. Report prepared for the United Nations
from entering the water cycle, reduced water consumption and improved agricultural Development Program Human Development Report 2006.
productivity. The use of sanitised human fertiliser also reduces the demand for costly
Hutton, G., Rodriguez, U.E., Napitupulu, L., Thang, P., and
artificial fertilisers, thus addressing the need to curb the rapid depletion of global Kov, P. (2007). Economic impacts of sanitation in Southeast
phosphorus resources. Asia: summary report. World Bank Water and Sanitation
Program.
Despite these potential benefits, there are numerous challenges to implementing
Joint Monitoring Programme (2006). Meeting the MDG
ecological sanitation approaches in practice. In this case study collection, practical drinking water and sanitation target: the urban and rural
implementation of a number of ecological sanitation systems are discussed: challenge of the decade. Geneva: World Health Organisation
and UNICEF.
• Case Study 2 looks at Plan in Vietnam’s experience with urine-diverting double-vault
Kemeny, T. (2007). Sanitation and economic development:
composting latrines. Making an economic case for the MDG orphan. UK: WaterAid
• Case Studies 5 and 9 explore the impact of practical trainings to promote the use of Discussion Paper. WaterAid.
composting toilets in a number of Pacific Island Countries. Overseas Development Institute (ODI) (2006). Sanitation and
Hygiene: knocking on new doors. ODI Briefing Paper,
• Case Study 8 discusses the construction and use of a biogas plant and French drain London: Overseas Development Institute.
filter in Aceh, Indonesia.
Robinson, A. (2007). Universal Sanitation in East Asia:
Mission Impossible? WHO, WSP and UNICEF.
Source: Winblad, U. and Simpson-Hebert, M. 2004. Ecological Sanitation: Revised and Enlarged Edition.
PLAN IN VIETNAM
Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute. Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) (2007). Towards
more sustainable sanitation solutions. SuSanA Statement
Draft, May 2007.
A happy DVC latrine user (see Case Study 2)
9
This collection of nine case studies explores
sanitation initiatives in three countries in South
The case studies East Asia (Indonesia, Timor Leste, Vietnam) and
six Pacific Island Countries (Kiribati, Papua New
Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu). In each case
study, the authors discuss various dimensions
of these initiatives from social acceptability and
financial aspects, to technical functionality and
impact on the environment. All the case studies
focus on practical implementation issues: from
the challenges of training staff and community
members, to the ways community engagement
tools are used in practice, to the difficulties in
designing culturally-appropriate hardware
components.
10
Table 1: An overview of the case studies
# Case Study Location(s) Key issues highlighted Description
Health Environment Technology Financial Socio-
and natural and and cultural and
resources operation economic institutional
1 Shifting the focus for West Sumatra, South Sumatra, This case study examines how a large government project adopted the CLTS approach midway
sanitation in the Second Bangka-Belitung, West Java, through project implementation. Early experience with CLTS indicates that it has achieved some
Water and Sanitation for Low East Java, West Nusa Tenggara ✓ ✓ ✓ remarkable results. The enabling factors for successfully making the switch to CLTS and the key
Income Communities Project and South Sulawesi and West issues related to scaling up and ensuring sustainability are discussed.
Sulawesi, Indonesia
2 The sum is greater than the Ha Nam and Nam Dinh In this case study, findings of an evaluation of Plan in Vietnam’s urine-diverting double vault
parts: An investigation of Provinces, Vietnam composting (DVC) latrine program are presented. Toilet usage, hygiene behaviour, design and
Plan in Vietnam’s double-vault ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ construction standards and users’ perceptions are explored. A key success of the program has
composting latrine program been the design of a locally-produced urine-diverting pan, the ‘Granito’. Recommendations include
in northern Vietnam the need to better market the benefits of the DVC latrine to rural farmers.
3 Putting community Sanma Province, Vanuatu This case study explores the extent to which the PHAST approach was utilised as participatory tool
development principles into for community transformation in a rural water, sanitation and hygiene project. The authors conclude
practice: A case study of a ✓ ✓ that care must be taken to ensure that tools like the PHAST approach are used as entry points to
rural water, sanitation and help mobilise community action and not interpreted simply as hygiene education sessions.
hygiene project in Vanuatu
4 To their credit: How three Bac Lieu, Ha Tien and This case study describes the process of setting up a revolving loan fund for septic tank toilets
Mekong Delta towns have used Sa Dec, Vietnam targeting poor urban households. The authors conclude that local sanitation loan schemes can be
revolving funds to increase ✓ ✓ ✓ successful if proper training and capacity building for the loan disbursement group is undertaken,
coverage of septic tanks and if robust financial management, realistic loan parameters and support to borrowers and local
suppliers is ensured.
5 The Sanitation Park Project: A Sigatoka, Ba and Tavua Districts, This case study explores the use of a Sanitation Park as a demonstration site for exhibiting various
regional initiative to increase Fiji sanitation technology options. The physical display of options and hands-on training in design and
participatory approaches in ✓ ✓ ✓ construction of a composting latrine were found to have clear benefits in terms of raising interest,
the sanitation sector skill levels and confidence.
6 A journey from subsidy Aileu and Liquica Districts, In this case study, experience with a project that subsidised latrine hardware in one rural district
to CLTS: The experience Timor Leste in Timor Leste is compared with the preliminary use of CLTS in another. The benefits and challenges
of WaterAid Australia and ✓ ✓ ✓ of each approach are explored. Although only in its pilot stages, the author concludes that CLTS
Plan in Timor Leste is already making an impact and presents a greater opportunity for increasing access to sanitation
in rural areas.
7 A Toilet Paper: Reflections Eastern Highlands Province, In this case study, the author discusses the challenges associated with creating and maintaining
on ATprojects school Papua New Guinea momentum for a local NGO school sanitation and hygiene promotion program in a remote rural area.
sanitation in PNG ✓ ✓ ✓ The program has designed its own hygiene promotion tools and children's games as well as a toilet,
the ‘ATLoo’, which has created demand for household toilets in local communities.
8 Sustainable Sanitation: A new Banda Aceh, Indonesia This case study describes the use of a demonstration community toilet in a public park as a means
paradigm in Aceh, Indonesia of introducing new ecological sanitation concepts and technologies in a tsunami-affected area.
✓ ✓ ✓ Training in the construction of a biogas plant, which currently fuels the park’s canteen, was accompanied
by workshops on ecological sanitation and a wider community awareness raising campaign around
health threats posed by failing septic tank systems.
9 Training in Eco-sanitation Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and In this case study, the author explores a number of ecological sanitation trainings and their
for communities in Pacific Kiribati impact on sanitation practice in four Pacific Island Countries. All the trainings aimed to provide
Island Countries communities with sufficient information and practical skills to choose, construct and maintain
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ appropriate sanitation systems. Recommendations include the strong need for follow-up training
and support, as well as the need to encourage local innovation in design and to plan trainings so
that contradictory messages and programs are discussed.
11
Table 2: Sharing Experiences – Some key lessons from the case studies
Key Lessons
Ecological sanitation presents a range of sustainable alternatives, but these often require more education Socio-cultural and institutional aspects
and promotion. If the technology is new to a community, for example the biogas plant in Indonesia (Case
Study 8) or composting toilet systems in the Pacific (Case Study 9), a good deal of training and education Local champions are the key to uptake and sustainability. Most of the case studies highlighted the role that
is needed. This takes time and requires adequate follow-up. If such approaches are already accepted, such local leaders play in building demand for sanitation and ensuring continued support within communities.
as the use of human fertiliser in Vietnam (Case Study 2), considerable promotion and marketing may still be The role of local champions is particularly critical to the CLTS approach, as discussed in Case Study 1. Whether
necessary to change public perceptions that these technologies are inferior to septic tanks or other ‘higher’ they be village chiefs, school headmasters, government officials or natural leaders, local champions are vital
technologies. to galvanise support and convince sceptics, as well as to sustain momentum for change.
Technology and operation Women play a critical role. Not only do women emerge as champions and natural leaders in the promotion
of sanitation (see Case Study 1 and Case Study 4), their role in ensuring the upkeep of household sanitation
Hands-on training in design, construction, operation and maintenance is essential, and should include systems is essential, as women are often responsible for cleaning and maintaining them. Women often place
adequate follow up. Once people have had the opportunity to see a system first-hand and experience its a greater value on sanitation, so when their voices are not heard, as illustrated in Case Study 3 from Vanuatu,
benefits, they are more likely to invest their own time and resources. Several of the case studies discuss the the potential for community change is greatly reduced.
benefits of practical training, both in building demand for sanitation and in ensuring that community members
gain confidence. Both Case Study 8 and Case Study 9 highlight the fact that once people are familiar and Maintaining the quality and integrity of facilitator training is essential. Community development approaches
confident with a technology, they are able to adapt and improve upon it to suit their needs. like CLTS and Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) rely on the ability of skilled
facilitators to assist communities in addressing their own sanitation situations. Case Study 1 and Case Study
Local innovation in latrine design and construction can produce cheaper and more appropriate options. 6 stress the importance of the facilitator’s attitude when attempting to ‘trigger’ a community to stop open
Latrine designs should be tailored to their end-users. Case Study 7 describes the process of designing the defecation. Case Study 3 explores the critical role that proper facilitator training can play in ensuring that
household ‘ATloo’ in PNG, where research on how local men, women and children use the toilet was used to tools like PHAST are used appropriately.
determine appropriate dimensions of the pit hole and slab. Sourcing latrine parts locally greatly reduce their
cost, as with the locally manufactured ‘granito’ toilet pan described in Case Study 2. The CLTS approach (Case
Study 1 and Case Study 6) also illustrates how a ‘no subsidy’ principle can help foster local innovation and
the development of very low cost toilets.
12
INDONESIA
MALAYS IA
people living in faecally contaminated Low Income Communities 2, half way through sanitation program which started at the end of Total: Rural: Urban
JMP 2006
environments. Diarrhoea and typhoid are its implementation. The case study identifies 2001. It will have reached almost 2500 villages 55% 40% 73%
two of the four major killers for children the conditions that have supported and in 35 districts in eight provinces2 when it
under five in Indonesia (Ministry of Health hindered this turn around in strategy and finishes in December 2008. Funding is from a
2002). Meanwhile, over 40% of the rural discusses the lessons learned from the World Bank loan, an AusAID grant, national and
population continue to defecate in their rivers, institutional and project adaptations that district government budgets and community
lakes, padi fields, ponds, canals, ocean and took place. contributions (total AU$159 million).
forests with devastating effects.
N. SHATIFAN
This is in contrast to conventional approaches Triggering in Desa Orabua Selatan in District Mamasa, West Sulawesi mid-stream and the subsequent report that is a useful
such as hardware subsidies for household source document. I would also like to acknowledge Kamal
toilets, revolving funds, demonstration and Kar for the major contribution he made in promoting the
communal toilets. 1 Economic losses due to inadequate sanitation alone have been estimated at 2.4% of GDP (ADB, 1998) potential value of CLTS in Indonesia. This in turn triggered
2 West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Bangka-Belitung, West Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi. significant institutional change in which CLTS became a
national community-based approach to rural sanitation.
Essentially, the WSLIC 2 project tries to Facilitators often did not continue to work Integrating CLTS into WSLIC 2 their current responsibilities, particularly
strengthen people’s ability to plan, finance, with villages to address increased demand At the end of 2004, CLTS came to Indonesia. the sub-district health centres (Puskesmas).
implement and manage their water and for toilets once people had improved water Highly impressed by what they had seen during • Developing systems for verification and
sanitation facilities, improve environmental systems because they felt obliged to move a CLTS exposure visit to India and Bangladesh, declaration and monitoring, which has
sanitation and hygiene practices and work to new villages to meet water supply targets a group of Indonesian government officials were been challenging and is still in progress.
more closely with local agencies so they can set by the project. Often a limited range of ready to try it out. WSLIC 2 was one of two
manage and use their services in a sustain- unaffordable technology options for the poor
able way. In the beginning, the project used was promoted with no ceiling on how much
projects to trial CLTS in four districts starting The Impact
in May 2005 together with two districts in an
a ‘community revolving fund’ which provided could be borrowed. So while notionally poor By August 2007, 31,400 households had
ADB project. By May 2006, 17 WSLIC villages
each community with up to 25 million rupiah households were to be the main beneficiaries obtained access to toilets, which is around
in the trials achieved 100% open defecation
(AU$3378) to manage a small loans scheme (which did happen in some cases), in practice 156,995 people (using an average of 5 persons
free (ODF) status, increasing access for around
for sanitation improvement. This did not work funds were slow to be repaid and better off per family). A total of 33 whole villages and 2
5,374 households. In 2006 six more WSLIC 2
well, partly because of lack of clarity about households mostly benefited. To encourage sub-districts in the WSLIC 2 project became 100%
districts started using CLTS and at the start of
how much money was available and how it more poor households to apply for funds, the open defecation free without any external
2007 the revolving fund strategy was replaced
could be used and no planning for achieving project set a borrowing ceiling of 200,000 household subsidies. This is a significant
by CLTS for all new project villages in 33
total coverage within a 3-5 year period rupiah (AU$27) in July 2005 and produced an achievement, given that no village had achieved
provinces.
(Ponsonby et al. 2004). Informed Choice Catalogue with information 100% sanitation coverage in the previous
on a sanitation ladder of options for different Making this shift required a number of steps three years of project implementation. Three
geographic conditions. Even so, sanitation for the project team: impacts are already apparent from using
improvements remained limited. • Getting local buy-in of decision makers CLTS, including community empowerment,
through promotion to district decision sustainability and scaling up.
makers, particularly heads of local health
departments, sharing ‘success stories’ Community Empowerment
by champions in pilot areas and helping CLTS is a dynamic and effective way to build
people to grasp the ‘no subsidy’ concept. community confidence in its own ability. The
• Revising project policies and document- no subsidy approach and promotion of low
ation to reflect the new approach and cost options directly reaches and benefits the
disseminating these to district teams. poor while the process inherently demands
transparency and accountability. To achieve
• Revising the project’s community process
100% ODF, everyone in the community is held
to include CLTS.
accountable for the results. Spin offs as a
• Building capacity including new training result of this empowerment are evident.
programs, manuals to support CLTS For example, during a celebration to mark
implementation, training core teams of achieving 100% ODF, one community
trainers (TOT) and community facilitators demanded that the district head provide
to implement CLTS. support to improve the village roads to which
• Revising project monitoring systems to he signed up on the spot, recognising the
reflect new measures for increased access community’s ability to take charge of its own
rather than number of toilets built. affairs. The question now is how best to
harness this empowerment impact for further
N. SHATIFAN
14
Sustainability target all households as one group to become
While the WSLIC 2 project teams have 100% ODF and then extend out to the village
enthusiastically taken up the challenge of level.
‘triggering’ villages, more effort is needed for Getting district heads (Bupatis) enthused
follow up support including technical advice about CLTS and moving the approach to the
to help community groups to deal with broader social and economic development
resisters, resolve technical problems (like arena beyond health would strengthen the
constructing toilets in dense settlements), impact and aid in scaling up the approach
monitor progress and develop verification more quickly. One Bupati for example is
and declaration systems (for 100% ODF). It spreading CLTS through a range of extension
is important to keep the focus on outcomes services outside of local health agencies.
rather than outputs and this requires an
attitudinal shift amongst project staff away As a result of the positive results of CLTS,
from hardware targets. We continuously the Minister for Health declared CLTS as the
reiterate to community facilitators and project national approach for rural sanitation in late
staff that CLTS is a transformational tool 2006. This has now been incorporated into
focused on longer term change for a range of a national operational strategy for Total
sanitation improvements, including upgrading Sanitation as part of scaling up and some 200
of simple toilets over time, rather than seeing districts will be implementing CLTS in 2008.
ODF as yet another target.
N. SHATIFAN
Community mapping during triggering in Desa Orabua Selatan
Lessons
Implementing CLTS, a community-driven
process approach, can conflict with the target It is early days for CLTS in WSLIC 2 and in
driven outputs of a water supply project. It is Indonesia. To move beyond the initial
It is also apparent that compared with
important to develop and resource institutional successes requires widespread discussion
traditional approaches women are more Responding to demand
strategies that can move CLTS beyond the and analysis about different ways of
active in CLTS, particularly poor women. Most householders build their latrines and
project into mainstream programs. mobilising stakeholders, including women
They are emerging as champions and natural help others in need (i.e. elderly, widows,
and the poor, encouraging community
leaders, be they medical professionals, disabled). CLTS has not only triggered new
Scaling up ownership and strengthening external
teachers, midwives and health volunteers, toilets but also improvements to existing
support mechanisms. Here are some lessons
members of women’s prayer groups or heads ones (moving up the sanitation ladder). In promoting local innovation and response,
that have already emerged in the past two
of local women’s groups. In one district, Technical advice and training is provided CLTS fits well with a decentralised project like
by WSLIC facilitators, including for women,
years in WSLIC 2:
women have been trained in toilet construction WSLIC 2. Districts have been able to develop
– a first for the district. To support this, CLTS in at least one village in West Sumatra. institutional arrangements and strategies for • WSLIC 2 districts sometimes faced early
facilitators need gender analysis skills to be Production of toilet pans by villagers is scaling up CLTS beyond the project that fit resistance as officials and communities
able to capitalise on women’s interest in usually at cost as a community service with local conditions. In West Sumatra, for wanted to continue with a subsidy
rather than for profit. In some cases, approach. However, once they realised
sanitation and facilitate community example, the local health department is
demand does outstrip supply and this
discussions on gendered roles, such as who targeting the nagari (a traditional cluster of that CLTS would bring fast results at low
critical issue, together with options for
will take on responsibility for maintaining the villages) as the ‘community’ for ODF and cost, this resistance mostly dissipated.
latrine improvement, is being addressed
new toilets and carrying additional water. working closely with the Desa Wisma (clusters Trying to implement CLTS where subsidy
in a Total Sanitation program funded by
of 10 households). Other districts have chosen programs are also being implemented is
the GATES Foundation in East Java.
to target a few sub-villages (dusun) and to confusing and can undermine efforts for
community self-help.
15
• It is important to maintain the quality and • Champions are the key to the success of Conclusions There is not doubt WSLIC 2 has played a key
integrity of the facilitator training. WSLIC 2 CLTS, at all levels of government and in role in getting CLTS accepted in Indonesia
WSLIC 2 was well under way when CTLS
uses a cascade approach from national to the community. Dr. Purnama Augustine, and encouraging other districts to adopt the
was introduced with systems in place and
community level with training of 3-4 days, the head of the health centre in Lembak approach. While CLTS in Indonesia was
everyone trained for the revolving fund
including one day in a community. It takes sub-district of Muara Enim in South initiated by the national government, the
approach. The change to a new approach
this amount of time to shift people’s mind Sumatra spearheaded the CLTS effort approach has since been taken up by large
was helped by the following:
sets. Community facilitators are often and trained all of her staff (including the religious and other non government
sceptical about CLTS at first and so are drivers) to facilitate CLTS. Thanks to these • Commitment of the senior staff from organisations, a move that can only increase
surprised when they witness the speed of efforts, 16 of the 18 villages in her sub- the Department of Health and WSLIC 2 the momentum for scaling up.
change in communities even during the district are now 100% ODF and the two management office to undertake the field
The CLTS approach will reap most benefits
‘field practice’. This alone strengthens remaining villages are almost there. trials based on their experiences from
when it is taken up by civil society and
their commitment to the approach. • It is clear that different conditions affect the study visit to India and Bangladesh;
becomes a people’s movement. So as the WSLIC 2
• Inviting senior government officials like results. These include geographic and • Demonstrated results from the field trials, project comes to an end, district agencies
the Minister for Health and provincial and cultural factors (e.g. level of community which proved CLTS could deliver results need to find ways of reaching out to other
district heads to witness ‘declaration homogeneity), proximity to readily accessible quickly without any funds for hardware players including civil society organisations,
ceremonies’ where communities formally alternatives for defecation (e.g. rivers, subsidies, resulted in a declaration from champions, natural leaders and the private
announced achievement of 100% ODF has ocean), commitment of community leaders the Minister for Health that CLTS would be sector to speed up this process.
worked well in getting top level support for and local champions and past experience the rural sanitation approach to be
policy change. or expectation of some form of subsidy3. adopted by the Department of Health; References
Assessing existing conditions helps to • Phasing of CLTS into the project provided Asian Development Bank (ADB) (1998). No. 2805-INO,
develop strategies for introducing CLTS opportunities to learn lessons, develop Strengthening of Urban Waste Management Policies and
Strategies.
to a district, sub-district or community. a group of experienced trainers and
facilitators and in some way created a Bappenas (2005). Medium Term Development Plan (Rencana
• CLTS provides an entry point for greater
Pembangunan Jangka Menengah).
cooperation between government, civil sense of urgency among other WSLIC
Ministry of Health (2002). Indonesia Health Profile.
society and the private sector to scale up districts to start with the CLTS approach
demand, increase supply and promote so they would not be left behind; and Ponsonby M., CPMU, WSLIC (2004). Working Paper on Sanitation
Options. March 2004.
sustainability without using subsidies. • Continuing support, advocacy, training
More attention is needed on using civil and monitoring by the Water and
Further Reading
society groups and natural leaders for Sanitation Program (East Asia and Pacific)
CLTS on the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) website:
scaling up, improving monitoring systems which assisted the Department of Health www.livelihoods.org/hot_topics/CLTS.html
and the rural sanitation sector4. in developing their plan of action for
• Sanitation with hygiene promotion needs scaling up CLTS.
to be given higher priority in WSS
programs so that it does not continue to
be given secondary importance to water
supply systems. Evaluations of staff and
contracted consultants should measure
their performance in improving access to 3 These are drawn from favourable and unfavourable conditions identified by Dr Kamal Kar and Prof. Robert Chambers, based
in part on their field trips and discussions in Indonesia (see CLTS website at www.livelihoods.org/hot_topics/CLTS.html).
sanitation and behaviour change as much
N. SHATIFAN
4 A new initiative will add to this learning. The GATES foundation is supporting a large-scale, sanitation program in four
Natural leader explaining a low cost option for toilets in Mamasa
as completion of water supply systems. countries including Indonesia to stimulate the demand and supply of sustainable sanitation services and reach the poorest
in rural villages, small towns and informal urban settlements.
16
VIETNAM
CHINA
Ha Nam
An investigation of Plan in Vietnam’s double-vault LAO S
Province
Ben Cole, Environmental Health Consultant; Pham Duc Phuc, National Institute of Hygiene
and Epidemiology; and John Collett, Plan in Vietnam
VIETNAM
The Context THAILAN D
JMP 2006
latrines by 2010 (Socialist Republic of Vietnam 61% 50% 92%
2006). Attaining this target will require the
PLAN IN VIETNAM
development of a sustainable market for
affordable, socially acceptable and
technically appropriate sanitation options. Burning toilet waste-paper before disposing in latrine
The Government of Vietnam has stipulated DVC latrines are popular in Vietnam as The most popular and desired sanitation Acknowledgements
the double-vault composting latrine (DVC they provide a source of human excreta as options in Vietnam are the septic tank latrine
latrine), septic tank latrine, pour-flush water We would like to thank the 120 families that welcomed us
fertiliser and soil conditioner. While the use followed by the DVC latrine (Ministry of Health into their homes during this investigation. We hope their
sealed latrine and ventilated pit latrine as of human excreta can increase the water- and UNICEF 2007). Ecological sanitation time spent with us will contribute towards developing and
hygienic sanitation options (Ministry of Health holding and ion-buffering capacity of soil, if facilities such as DVC latrines have been implementing successful DVC latrine programs in Vietnam.
2005). Since the 1950s, the DVC latrine has used in an untreated form, it can also increase advocated by development and government We would also like to thank Mr. Chinh (Plan in Vietnam’s Nam
been advocated as an appropriate sanitation the risk of exposure to faecal pathogens agencies as they save water, prevent ground- Ha Program Unit Manager) and Mr. Hung (Plan in Vietnam’s
facility throughout rural Vietnam (Jensen (Jonsson et al. 2004). The risk of exposure water pollution and recycle nutrients in human Nam Ha Program Unit Water and Sanitation Consultant)
et al. 2005). It is estimated that 25% of is reduced through establishing the correct excreta (Winblad and Simpson-Hebert 2004; for their ongoing support throughout the investigation.
Vietnam’s rural population possess a DVC physicochemical and biological factors in GTZ 2007). Understanding the consumer’s This research would not have been possible without the
latrine (GSO 2004). the DVC that result in pathogen die-off in the motivations and barriers towards the purchase assistance of local research assistants and Plan volunteers.
Farmers in Vietnam and China have been excreta combined with correct handling and management of DVC latrines will provide Many thanks must go to them for their insight and guidance
applying human excreta as fertiliser and soil procedures (Schonning and Stenstrom 2004). important information in the development of during the field visits. Finally thanks to Peter Feldman for
conditioner for centuries (Jensen et al. 2005). future sanitation programs in Vietnam. reviewing and editing the drafts of this case study. This
investigation was financially supported by Plan in Vietnam.
The Process The investigation assessed 120 households Successes The pre-moulded pan, dubbed the Granito,
in three communes (Chinh Ly, Don Xa and Yen was collaboratively developed by Plan and
Plan in Vietnam’s DVC latrine program The ‘Granito’: An affordable, locally
Thanh). Field data collection included detailed Ha Nam’s Center for Rural Water Supply and
Since 1995, Plan in Vietnam (Plan) has manufactured DVC pan
physical inspection of each DVC latrine at the Sanitation (CERWASS2). The Granito is
promoted hygienic household sanitation in selected households, as well as semi-structured A significant innovation by Plan in the NHPU manufactured from cement and has a
seven provinces, with a strong focus on urine interviews with one or more household latrine program was the introduction of a low- polished surface.
diverting DVC latrines. Over 11,000 household members. The research team also conducted cost, locally manufactured, double-hole pan.
latrines have been constructed with Plan in-depth interviews with Commune Health
support during that time. Plan’s Nam Ha Workers, Women’s Union staff, Commune
Program Unit (NHPU) has constructed over People’s Committee (CPC) staff, Plan staff and
8,000 DVC latrines during this time, in 192 Plan volunteers, and household members in
villages located throughout 14 communes1 each of the three communes to further under-
in Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces. These stand the attitudes and perceptions towards
provinces lie approximately 80 kilometres DVC latrines.
south of Hanoi, and have a combined
population of over 800,000 people. General Findings
The total cost of constructing a typical DVC The investigation found a high proportion
latrine ranged from 1,100,000 to 1,500,000 of households (97%) used their DVC latrine
VND (US$ 68.92); Plan provided a subsidy regularly and the latrine was maintained in
of 700,000 VND (US$ 43) to participating a good condition (97%). An overwhelming
households. Based on the high rates of majority of households (91%) expressed
PLAN IN VIETNAM
participation it was assumed this level of satisfaction with their DVC latrine.
subsidy was acceptable to the householders.
Women were found to be more than twice as
Uninstalled Granito pan
likely as any other household member to bear
Investigation process
responsibility for cleaning the DVC latrine,
This case study is based on the findings of an removing contents from the vaults, and empty-
investigation that took place in Ha Nam and ing the urine jar. After emptying the vaults
Nam Dinh provinces during May and June the majority of households (63%) immediately
2007. The objectives of the investigation were use the contents as fertilizer. The remaining
to assess DVC performance and user attitudes, households engaged in some form of
to identify any design or construction concerns, secondary composting of the excreta. Most
and to make recommendations for remedial households (61%) reported using urine on
actions, if necessary. leafy crops and garden trees located close
to their DVC latrine.
PLAN IN VIETNAM
1 Provinces in Vietnam are sub-divided into districts, and districts are sub-divided into communes.
Communes typically comprise 5-10 villages.
2 CERWASS is a government agency that implements water supply and sanitation programs in Vietnam. Installed Granito pan with two covered defecation holes
18
Prior to the production of the Granito, the only Behavioural Social
manufacturer of pre-moulded double-pans Seventy-three percent of households Survey and interview data suggest that there
was located in Hanoi and produced pans reported they emptied the contents of the has been low “uptake” of DVC latrines by house-
that cost 165,000 VND (US$ 10). The locally vault 1-2 times per year. Content removal holds outside of the Plan-supported program
manufactured Granito was produced for often occurred prior to rice planting (February area. Most households with a DVC latrine
70,000 VND (US$ 4.30). Use of the Granito and June). This suggested that vaults were (78%) stated that they would prefer to upgrade
resulted in significant cost savings for Plan’s often emptied before the recommended six- to a septic tank latrine. Households that had
DVC latrine program. month storage time. Previous studies have not been part of the Plan DVC latrine program
The Granito dramatically improved the also indicated that a minority of households often stated they would rather wait until they
consistency in construction standards of the compost their human excreta for the had enough savings to build a septic tank
DVC latrines. The Granito was reported by recommended six months (Ministry of Health latrine than purchase a less costly DVC
households to be easy to clean and to reduce 2003). Ash was observed in the majority of latrine in the short term. The most common
seepage of urine into the concrete thereby DVC latrines (83%) suggesting householders justification for this attitude was that septic
reducing odours. added ash to the vault contents. tank latrines were the most hygienic latrine
available. From these findings it was concluded
PLAN IN VIETNAM
Nearly all of those interviewed (more than 90%)
that changing perceptions regarding DVC
Challenges had adequate knowledge of good hygiene A DVC latrine in Tan Kim commune,
latrines will be a major challenge to scaling up Thai Nguyen Program Unit
Technical behaviours such as hand washing with soap
demand for DVC latrines in northern Vietnam.
at critical times (such as after defecating,
The investigation identified four key as-built
preparing food, and handling babies’ faeces).
construction concerns: 1) narrow and in-
However, self-reported practices did not Users’ Perceptions of the DVC latrine
appropriately located vent pipes; 2) absence
correlate to physical observations, which • In-depth interviews with parents and
of lids covering the defecation holes; 3) poor
found that 41% of households did not have school teachers reported that some
sealing of vault doors; and 4) uncovered urine
any cleaning agent in close proximity to hand children didn’t like the strong odours
collection jars. Poor design as well as limited
washing facilities. This suggests that use of and numerous flies that surrounded the
understanding on the part of masons regarding
cleaning agents during hand washing after Granito and non-Granito DVC latrines
the principles of DVC latrine construction during the hot summer months.
defecation was lower than reported. Commune
were identified as the primary causes of
Health Workers in the project area agreed • The study didn’t ask women about their
these technical concerns.
use of the Granito during menstruation.
PLAN IN VIETNAM
that knowledge of correct hand washing
behaviour was generally good, but that this Anecdotally we were told that women use
did not seem to translate into practice3. reusable fabric pads and do not dispose Cleaning the DVC latrine
of them into the DVC vault.
• Interviews found men rarely used the
Most households with a DVC DVC latrine when only urinating. The inter-
latrine (78%) stated that they viewed men stated they urinated directly
would prefer to upgrade to a onto their garden and crops or into the
urine collection jar behind the DVC latrine.
septic tank latrine.
PLAN IN VIETNAM
3 Research commissioned by the National Handwashing Initiative in Vietnam found that 60% of respondents who washed
Applying diluted urine in vegetable garden their hands with water did not believe it was necessary to use soap. The key barriers to using soap were identified to be:
close to the latrine a) Fatalistic acceptance of illness (and the feeling that risks are low) and b) That dirt and germs are visible (Indochina
Research, 2006).
19
Recommendations BCC and other activities and incentives to
encourage households to construct a hand
Technical washing place in close proximity to the latrine,
Four low-cost technical improvements are hand wash at proper times and to use cleaning
recommended for the construction of DVC agents such as soap, washing powder or
latrines in the program area: 1) vent pipes detergent should be included in future DVC
should have a minimum diameter of 90mm; latrine programs. Implementing agencies
2) simple locking systems should be could consider methods such as linking pay-
installed for vault doors; 3) lids for defecation ment of the latrine subsidies to evidence of
holes should be clearly identified to improved hygiene practices in the home.
distinguish the in-use and storage vault; and
Early removal of the contents of DVC latrine
4) urine collection jars with lid should be part
vaults is another area of potential health
of the latrine ‘package’. The NHPU Water and
concern. Previous research has shown that
Sanitation Consultant stated the Granito could
farmers using DVC latrines often remove the
be improved by increasing its length for greater
contents according to their cropping patterns
comfort of the users and less likelihood of
rather than according to the six-month storage
urine splashing onto the concrete floor.
PLAN IN VIETNAM
time recommended by Vietnam’s Ministry of
The DVC latrine design was found to be Health (Phuc et al. 2006). However, there is
lacking in some key areas, for example the Example of vault doors with a simple locking system some debate as to whether a full six months
recommendation to install narrow vent pipes. is required to neutralize pathogens in a DVC
Compounding this, anecdotal evidence Behavioural latrine. Jensen (2006) found that three months
indicates masons had a low understanding storage time and the regular application of
A key challenge to scaling up DVC latrines require regular maintenance
of the principles of constructing a DVC latrine. lime resulted in 97% neutralisation of
to ensure that they function properly (and
Greater emphasis should be given to training this program will be changing pathogens in human excreta. Further research
hygienically). Results of this investigation
masons on the principles of composting and a review of government guidelines for
latrines; for example, understanding the the public’s perception that suggest that more effective behaviour change
communication (BCC) will be needed to DVC latrine operation are recommended in
importance of airflow over the compost pile DVC latrines are less hygienic order to clarify the guidance needed for
ensure that the construction, use and
to facilitate the aerobic composting process
than septic tank latrines. maintenance of DVC latrine systems is hygienic DVC latrine operation in Vietnam.
and to remove bad odours.
Improvements in DVC latrine optimised. Target audiences for such BCC
include local masons, occupants of house-
construction and marketing
holds with DVC latrines, and Plan staff and
approach could greatly enhance volunteers. Attention should also be given to
their appeal and ensure their gender specific roles and attitudes towards
household sanitation. Key messages should
continued (and renewed)
be reduced to a small number of simple
popularity. steps (e.g. five) for building and maintaining
hygienic, odour- and fly-free DVC latrines4.
4 Recommendations for an updated BCC strategy are included in the final project report for this investigation, and are available from Plan in Vietnam
20
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of DVC latrines vs. septic tank latrines Social continued (and renewed) popularity as
The majority of households interviewed perhaps the most ecologically sound and
Advantages Disadvantages affordable household sanitation option
wanted a septic tank latrine more than a
Double-vault • Vietnamese farmers perceive • In common with all latrines, if DVC latrine. Future marketing messages for currently available in many parts of Vietnam.
composting excreta as a valuable fertiliser poorly constructed or maintained,
latrine can attract flies and cause bad the DVC latrine should focus on their many
• Low construction costs
odours advantages, including cost-effectiveness References
• Excreta (when safely composted)
is a useful soil conditioner • Early removal of faeces can lead and beneficial (and hygienic) use of excreta General Statistics Office (2004). Results of the survey of
to exposure to pathogens as fertilizer (see table). Other activities that household living standards 2002. Hanoi: Statistical Publishing
• Urine provides a rich source of House.
nitrogen and phosphorous • Requires periodic maintenance and could change perceptions regarding DVC
management including removal of GTZ (2007). Ecological sanitation closes the loop between
• Water not required for use composted faeces latrines include promoting ‘higher end’
sanitation and agriculture. Accessed online at: www.gtz.de/
• Can be built in areas with high from vault modifications such as floor tiling; and en/themen/umwelt-infrastruktur/wasser/8524.htm.
water tables and rocky soils encouraging construction of the DVC latrines Indochina Research (2006). Vietnam National Handwashing
Septic tank latrine • Odourless due to water seal • Higher capital costs associated inside or adjacent to homes. Initiative: Consumer research results presentation, Hanoi.
between the stored excreta and the with ensuring adequate supply of Jensen, P.K. (2006). Human excreta use in agriculture in
inside of the latrine water for flushing Ecological sanitation programs have utilised
Vietnam: A study from the field to the latrine 2004-2006.
• Low maintenance required when • Susceptible to blocked other modern types of plastic pre-moulded Presentation to Workshop, Hanoi, 2006
operating correctly underground pipes which are pans. For example, Plan China’s sanitation
Jensen P.K., Phuc, P.D., Dalsgaard, A. and Konradsen, F. (2005).
difficult to repair program recommends the use of a plastic, Successful sanitation promotion must recognize the use of
• Costly emptying of septic tanks pre-moulded, single-hole pan (P Kumar 2007, latrine waste in agriculture-the example of Vietnam. Bulletin of
required periodically – specialised the World Health Organisation 83(11), 873-874.
equipment and service personnel pers. comm., 20 June). The introduction of
needed plastic pans could be a design improvement Jonsson H., Stintzing, A.R., Vinneras, B. and Salomon E.
(2004). Guidelines on the use of urine and faeces in crop
• Leachate and leakage from tanks over existing pans in Vietnam as they are
production. Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute.
can cause ground water pollution cheap to transport and manufacture, strong
and is a potential human health Kumar, P. (2007). Water and Environmental Sanitation
hazard and easy to clean. The use of plastic pans Consultant, Plan China.
• Large volumes of water required for may also reinforce the perception of the DVC
Ministry of Health (2003). Latrines for rural areas in Vietnam.
flushing latrine as a modern and hygienic sanitation Hanoi: Department of Preventative Medicine.
• No benefits from use of urine or option.
Ministry of Health (2005). Hygienic standards for latrines.
decomposed faeces as fertilizer
Decision Number 08/2005QD-BYT.
improve composting, and reduce odours and Schonning, C. and Stenstrom, T.A. (2004). Guidelines for the
safe use of urine and faeces in ecological sanitation systems.
flies. A key challenge to scaling up this program
EcoSanRes Publication Series.
will be changing the public’s perception that
Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2006). National Target Program
DVC latrines are less hygienic than septic for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (2006-2010).
PLAN IN VIETNAM
21
VANUATU
JMP 2006
50% 42% 78%
WORLD VISION
WORLD VISION
Estimating water and sanitation coverage Community mapping using PHAST A functioning VIP latrine
2 ANCP is the AusAID and NGO Cooperation Program. Under this funding stream, AusAID provides 75% of the project budget and the NGO provides 25% of funding.
23
Adoption of associated hygiene practices was Challenges Understanding the outcomes
less evident in the absence of hand washing Listening to women’s voices on
The evaluation process also identified the PHAST is based on the belief that men and
facilities or effective hygiene promotion in the changes in their villages
limitations of the project. The field practice women can and should determine their own
villages. A health impact was not quantifiable
“The project has changed the life of people was a substantial deviation from the designed priorities for disease prevention; that
although attribution can be made based on
in the community by encouraging them of project’s emphasis on a community driven collectively within a community they possess
the observed changes reported by the villagers. using better latrines, especially the little and gender sensitive approach. Some of the the depth and breadth of health-related
A key example is the reported increase in children.” implementation issues identified included: experience and knowledge; that regardless
children’s usage of the VIP latrines.
“The children have developed a habit of
of educational background people can
• The designed interventions of water,
A clear strength of the project was the strong washing three times a day.” understand the faecal-oral route; that they
sanitation and hygiene were separated
working relationships developed with key will collectively arrive at agreement on the
“When there was no water we did not have rather than integrated which significantly
government partners, the Rural Water Supply hygiene behaviours and sanitation systems
enough time to spend in the garden or limited the project’s potential impact and
and the Environmental Health Units. Partners most specific to their ecological and cultural
to do other tasks. Now with more time to effectiveness;
were facilitated in taking active roles in the environment; and crucially, that when people
design and installation of the water supplies spend in the garden, we have made bigger • The project team placed emphasis on the understand why improved sanitation is to
and more gardens and we are producing technical intervention of building the
and the building of demonstration VIP toilets, their advantage, they will act (Simpson-Hebert,
more to sell in the markets. Market is the water and sanitation facilities and in doing
and were able to ensure the project was not Sawyer and Clarke 1997). Putting such
only source of income for us. There has so reverted to a target-driven approach
operating in isolation. In turn these partners principles into practice requires a commitment
been a big increase in the vatu received with the inherent limitations the project
are able and committed to providing ongoing of time, understanding and resources at all
from sale of garden produce.” was envisioned to overcome. This had
support to the communities after the life of levels and stages – from the community, the
the project, contributing to its sustainability. “How food is prepared has changed. implications for sustainability, functioning project team, management and the donor.
Before water supply, mothers roasted of community management structures,
compliance with the intervention, and the In practice the potential outcomes of the
food on the fire but now they are able to
boil food, prepare soup. Family diets have degree of community ownership and also project were limited in that:
improved.” contributed to the low scoring across all • PHAST was not utilised as a participatory
gender indicators; and planning tool but rather narrowly translated
“The mothers are also taking pride in their
• Decisions were perceived to have been as health education sessions delivered in
appearance when going to the market.
made by World Vision or the male leaders short 1-2 day training events with represent-
They wash and put on clean clothes when
rather than owned by the community, and atives from several communities. The
going to the market.”
at times participation was reduced to expectation that participants would return
contributing local materials or labour to to their villages and develop their own plans,
the process. a process that when facilitated can often
be a week long exercise, proved unrealistic;
• By not fully involving women in planning,
training and decision-making the
Project teams need on-going support to feel confident with the
collective experience and knowledge of
PHAST process and build their skills in mobilising communities. the community was not utilised; and
Without this training and support, things can quickly move from • The choice of technologies, VIP toilets and
an empowerment process to a means of gaining acceptance for direct gravity feeds, while successful were
WORLD VISION
predetermined.
predetermined interventions or health awareness sessions added
Analysing good and bad hygiene behaviours for health
on to a water and sanitation project.
24
the last to know’ and reported that they had confident that donors are more concerned
little voice. Women were not included in a about achieving positive impact rather
way that would have enabled the project to than taking the ‘shotgun’ approach that
leverage the gendered roles of women to the sometimes existed in the past;
benefit of the project. Without the training • Project staff and support staff, such as
and the practical tools the team needed, program officers who monitor project
the project struggled to engage women progress, need to be sufficiently skilled in
to participate and contribute beyond their the use of (in this instance) the PHAST
socially constructed roles. The women methodology and its tools to ensure that
identified the following ways their participation the methodology is effectively used within
and decision-making could have increased: the local context;
• The recruitment of a female project officer; • When local people manage implementation,
• More community meetings open to the gender issues upon which project
everyone to share the information about success can ultimately turn may be seen
the project directly; as barriers rather than points of leverage.
• The meetings not taking place in men’s Gender ‘training’ and skill development
meeting places; needs to be integrated into the project in
WORLD VISION
the same way that training in the PHAST
• Separate meetings for women so they
methodology is necessary;
Women evaluating their voice, choice and participation in the project could talk more freely; and
• Community development approaches to
• Support for more women in the
water and sanitation interventions, such as
In this example, the misinterpretation of PHAST control and burdens are equally shared; such committees.
PHAST, draw on specific skills and expertise
by the project team reflects the challenges in an approach is also responsive to different in facilitation and public health promotion,
re-orientating programs to measure success priorities and needs (Wijk-Sijbesma 1998; The Lessons and these complement and add value to
in terms of process rather than targets as well AusAID 2005). The proposed gender The project has improved access to safe technical engineering skills ; and
as the different skill sets that this demands. strategies of the project relating to the drinking water and VIP latrines to roughly a
• Transformational development is linked
Without the proper training, PHAST tools can recruitment of both male and female staff; third the number of the communities specified
to culture, the inherited and shared life
be used didactically, as health education gender balanced committees; consideration in the project design. For the communities
guidelines for a community. To ‘transform’
sessions rather than tools that generate of needs during training; participation and who received the water and the latrines,
therefore means to change or alter culture
discussion. Project teams need on-going sharing in the management of resources; and there are significant benefits. However, the
to some degree. This will only happen
support to feel confident with the PHAST gender sensitive training for staff presented real lessons from this case study are:
when it is seen as beneficial to all, but
process and build their skills in mobilising challenges in practice. The strategies were • Project designs should realistically reflect especially by those who are most opposed
communities. Without this training and not put into action in a way that could over- the ‘achievable’ rather than the ‘desirable’. to change.
support, things can quickly move from an come the barriers to women’s participation Designers in the field need to feel
empowerment process to a means of gaining and decision-making and perceptions of
acceptance for predetermined interventions ‘men’s business’ and ‘women’s business’.
or health awareness sessions added on to a
In the evaluation process men identified Following recent training on PHAST and facilitation skills, the new
water and sanitation project.
that, as women need water for their work in project team have successfully completed a two week community
A gender sensitive approach is one in which the home and this is a concern for the women,
women are not viewed as only the beneficiaries they were involved in decisions and planning. planning process and are now working to support the two villages
of projects, but rather one in which benefits, However, the women felt that ‘women were in implementing these.
25
Moving forward the process rather than a target. With the us, but during the planning we learnt that we References
support of World Vision Australia and the have to make a contribution as well...thank
The evaluation process involved the AusAID (2005). Gender Guidelines: water supply and
Pacific Development Group the necessary you for helping us to make our plans’. sanitation. Supplement to the Guide to Gender and
communities, project team, management Development March 2000, Canberra, accessed online
resources in terms of training and technical
and stakeholders in what was a team learning This experience from the Pacific supports the at www.ausaid.gov.au.
assistance have been committed to ensure the
and participatory process. A valuable argument that, while there are indications that Kar, K. and Pasteur, K. (2005). Subsidy or Self-respect?
field staff are supported in developing their
outcome of this is a renewed commitment a gender sensitive approach is increasingly Community led Total Sanitation: An Update on Recent
skills and engaging communities. In addition, Developments. IDS Working Paper 257, Brighton: IDS.
to the community development approach to being taken in the water sector (e.g. by
a female health promoter has been recruited.
water, sanitation and hygiene interventions greater inclusion of women on management Ministry of Health (2004). Master Health Services Plan
Following recent training on PHAST and 2004-2009, Port Vila, Vanuatu, June 2004.
and the role PHAST can play in facilitating committees), the sanitation sector is lagging
facilitation skills, the new project team have
this. The team moved from viewing the behind (Wijk-Sijbesma 1998). Since the Ministry of Health (2003). Statistics Unit—Environmental
successfully completed a two week community Health Diseases Report. Port Vila, Vanuatu, December 2003.
project as being about “taps and toilets” 1990s, the PHAST methodology has
planning process and are now working to
to one that was essentially about “people”. continued to be adapted globally. While it UNDP (2006). Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the
support the two villages in implementing these. global water crisis. Human Development Report 2006, UNDP.
may look different in each context, it is the
A new project has been designed and The feedback from leaders is encouraging,
principles at its core that are the key to its WHO (2006). Mortality Country Fact Sheet 2006 – Vanuatu.
commenced to reflect this, one in which with one commenting; ‘our expectation was Accessed online at www.who.int/whosis.
success. PHAST draws on expertise in
outputs are measured in terms of community that World Vision would come in and tell us
facilitation and community development WHO and UNICEF (2004). Coverage Estimates Improved
plans produced and supported, emphasising that they are building our water system for Drinking Water – Vanuatu. Joint Monitoring Program for
primarily, while technical skills are provided
Water Supply and Sanitation Coverage. Accessed online
only in response to needs identified by a at www.wssinfo.org.
community following its own process of Wijk-Sijbesma, C. (1998). Gender in water resources,
problem identification and analysis. This management, water supply and sanitation – Roles and
case study echoes similar experiences with realities revisited. The Netherlands: IRC International
Water and Sanitation Centre.
Community Led Total Sanitation, in that for
community development processes in the
Further Reading
sanitation sector to be a success ‘the key is
Dayal, R., Can Wijk, C. and Mukherjee, N. (2002).
to train more facilitators in the principles as MetGuide- Methodology for Participatory Assessments
it is their skills in mobilising communities to with communities, institutions and policy makers.
change people’s attitudes and behaviour that The Netherlands: Water and Sanitation Program and
IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre.
are essential to the success of the approach’
(Kar and Pasteur 2005). Wood, S., Sawyer, R. and Simpson-Hebert, M. (1998).
PHAST step-by-step guide: a participatory approach for
the control of diarrhoeal disease. Geneva: WHO.
26
VIETNAM
CHINA
JMP 2006
Government of Vietnam’s goal, as stated in credit fund at the Town Women’s Union (TWU) 61% 50% 92%
septic tanks in terms of capacity, treatment
the Draft Orientation Plan for Urban Drainage level in each town in order to meet the credit
function, construction quality, and ease of
Development to 2020, is to eliminate pit needs of poor households to build septic
maintenance.
latrines and fish pond toilets in urban areas tanks. The scheme directly contributes towards
and replace these, in smaller urban centres, cleaner neighbourhood environments and In 2001-2002, to understand the context in
with appropriate on-site waste treatment. healthier living conditions by providing loans which the SCS would operate, the project
The Government’s target includes not only to poor households for the construction of conducted specific research into the cost of
the replacement of these methods of excreta septic tanks for the safe treatment of toilet septic tanks, the local construction industry, Acknowledgements
disposal but also significantly increasing the wastes. sanitation behaviours, barriers to having The authors would like to thank the Town Women’s’ Union
coverage of hygienic toilets to all households septic tank toilets, repayment affordability of Bac Lieu, Sa Dec and Ha Tien for their enthusiasm, hard
in urban areas. work and determination towards improving sanitation and
The Process and poverty. Although desirable, most poor
households did not have a sanitary septic health conditions for their own communities. We would also
The Three Delta Towns Water Supply and During the project design phase, septic tanks like to thank the numerous families in the Mekong Delta who
tank toilet because the initial capital outlay
Sanitation Project (3DT) is supported by were confirmed as the most appropriate welcomed complete strangers into their homes to view their
was beyond their ability to pay.
AusAID, Australia’s overseas aid program, technology for household sanitation as they toilet facilities. We acknowledge the interest and support of
and is being co-managed by GHD Pty Ltd in are consistent with Government standards; During the first year, project staff worked the People’s Committees of Bac Lieu, Sa Dec and Ha Tien towns.
association with WASE Consultants. The are suitable in dense living conditions where with each TWU to establish the scheme Our sincere thanks to AusAID, for which, without the vision
and financial backing, this project would not have existed.
The operation of SCS involves the following • Loan disbursement ceremony: Each
activities: month, the Fund Management Board
• Establishing a Fund Management Board conducts one loan disbursement
(FMB): Each TWU sets up their own entity ceremony to hand out loan money directly
to manage the loan funds. This involved to households. This ceremony is combined
appointing a FMB director, cashier, with a training course for the new
accountant, and field workers who borrowers to help them actively
represent the TWU at the ward level. participate in the credit scheme, and for
volunteers from sub-ward/commune to
• Opening a private bank account: This
support the management of borrowers.
account is used for transactions relating
solely to the Sanitation Credit Fund. • Constructing the septic tank: A few
borrowers build the toilet themselves
• Setting up an office area for SCS: Each
according to the specifications, but most
TWU sets up an area in its office for keeping
hire a skilled local contractor.
records and administering the SCS.
Recommendations for quality contractors
• Setting up a bookkeeping system: Excel come by word of mouth through the
spreadsheets are used to keep SCS records. Women’s Union or neighbours.
• Selecting the target client group: The SCS Householders are free to choose their
targets poor households, using criteria set preferred builder.
up by the community. The household must • Loan repayment: Borrowers make fixed
accept the conditions of the loan including monthly repayments to their Field
The Sanitation Credit Scheme Organisational Structure
repayments, and must not have an Workers. An interest rate of one percent
existing septic tank toilet or be in a future per month is charged to borrowers. Fifty
parameters so they were suitable for supporting the management of the schemes resettlement area. percent of interest collected is returned to
borrowers and lenders. Management for 2 years, in 2005 the TWUs took full
• Carrying out Information Education and the Credit Fund to preserve and add to the
arrangements and responsibilities of the management control of the SCSs, and
Communication (IEC) activities: Promotion loan capital, with the other fifty percent
project, TWUs and other stakeholders were ownership of the seed fund.
of the loan scheme is through regular disbursed to the Fund Management Board
defined, and training was given to TWUs.
Loans to householders were fixed at VND community meetings with households. to pay for salaries, administration costs
The schemes were documented, agreed and
1,500,000 (about AU$187 in 2002) with a These meetings explain the health and other overheads. The maximum
signed in January 2003 by the project, TWUs,
repayment term of 15 months. The loan benefits of sanitary toilets, technical repayment term is 15 months, with no
Water Supply and Environment Company,
amount was sufficient to cover the cost of the aspects and loan details. penalties for early repayment. Each month,
Town People’s Committee, Ward and
essential elements of the septic system: from • Loan approval: Households complete an new loans are issued to new borrowers
Commune People’s Committee, Community
the toilet pan and slab through to the septic application form, which is checked on site using the repayment money received.
representatives and Volunteers.
tank treatment system and connection to by the Field Worker and verified by the Over time, the capital fund grows with the
Initially the project gave each TWU drains. Loans were not provided for the local People’s Committee. Details of the addition of interest payments.
AU$38,000 as a seed fund for loan capital. construction of above ground toilet ‘housing’ loan are discussed with the householder • Monitoring and reporting: The TWU
Later this was increased to AU$53,000 in or bathrooms, as this was left to the capacity and a contract is signed. No collateral is submits monthly reports to the 3DT Project
both Ha Tien and Sa Dec. The 3DT project of borrowers. The first loans were disbursed required from borrowers. including bank statements, financial
provided additional funds for training and to borrowers in May 2003 and by August statements, monitoring reports, and lists
awareness materials relating to septic tanks 2007, 4,387 septic tanks have been built of new borrowers.
and improved sanitation. After closely under the schemes in the three towns.
28
The Impact The SCS has had support from project awareness of women to change personal are now accessible for the elderly, sick,
Information Education and Communication hygiene behaviour to limit skin and disabled and poor. Having a toilet has given
Social (IEC) activities in each town. The awareness gynaecological diseases. poor households status, convenience, and
The coverage of septic tanks has increased activities have focused on key health health protection. For women in particular,
Attitudes have changed regarding toilets
in the three towns with 4,387 households messages related to hygiene and sanitation having an accessible toilet improves safety
and sanitation and this has led to localised
or approximately 22,500 people having new and the benefit of using a septic tank toilet. and dignity and means they do not have to
environmental improvements. Fish pond and
sanitary toilets at home. According to the Leaflets helped explain the faecal-oral go to fields to defecate during the wet
canal toilets in the three towns have gradually
TWUs, for every two to three loans disbursed transmission of disease, the importance of season or at night. Women report that having
been removed. Through septic tanks, human
by them, there is another septic tank built hand washing with soap, and how septic a septic tank toilet and paying back the loan
waste and excreta is prevented from directly
without financial assistance. This knock-on tanks work. The IEC motivators and SCS Field has given them more respect from their
entering natural waterways and ponds, there-
effect is partly due to more knowledge and Workers, trained in health communication by families, particularly their husbands.
by reducing its effect on the community.
awareness about septic tanks, and party due the project, have motivated the community Borrowers have more involvement in social
to direct motivation by the TWU to those who by participatory methods. The schemes have In conjunction with the project’s School activities through SCS meetings and TWU
can afford to build a septic tank without gradually helped people improve their aware- Sanitation Program, which is building school activities.
borrowing money. Active and enthusiastic ness and encourage change in behaviour toilets, the SCS is changing attitudes towards
borrowers have also become motivators for to protect the local environment, reduce the presence of toilets. School children are
their relatives, friends or neighbours to build pollution and improve their health through now socialised to accept that toilets at home
septic tank toilets. using hygienic toilets. It has also raised the are a normal and expected feature. Toilets
LT HAO
LT HAO
Borrower has improved hygienic awareness as shown by water for cleaning toilet and toilet paper A Khmer borrower: ‘I love my toilet because it is the most beautiful and valuable item in my house’
29
Financial Technical Institutional connections. These are managed by TWUs
Borrowers have improved their own savings Local contractors, the community and small The capacity of the TWUs has improved. The FMBs through Fund Management Boards and are
habits, in some cases saving from daily construction companies have become more have gained much experience in fund and financially supported by the Water Supply and
earnings in order to meet their repayments. competent in designing and constructing scheme management, with improved skills in Environment Companies. This means that the
The poor have shown that they can afford to good quality septic tanks. These contractors planning, financial management, bookkeeping, poor can further benefit from another loan
build septic tanks and repay loans and after and local workers have also benefited by the computer skills, reporting, communication, scheme. The scheme also improves the
repaying they are continuing to save money additional work provided by the schemes. and greater knowledge about water and reputation of the Water Supply and Environment
informally for other essential items to improve The proficient contractors gain a reputation sanitation. The FMBs have also increased Companies and provides exposure of their
their living conditions. SCS loans have led to for their work and are in demand. Desludging knowledge in technical aspects of septic tanks infrastructure to the community.
other house improvements, e.g. bathrooms/ is carried out by Water Supply and construction, operation and maintenance.
laundry, kitchen upgrading, and have created Environment Companies although in some FMBs now have a stronger focus on good Challenges and Successes
a demand for additional loans for house communities in Sa Dec, where access is only governance, experience with household and Credit schemes are very popular in Vietnam,
improvements. by boat, desludging is being done by private neighbourhood community-based approaches with funds from many sources and mostly
enterprise. and more regard for pro-poor and gender managed by Women’s Unions. However,
perspectives in sanitation and hygiene. Due to the 3DT project SCS operates differently from
Through another component, the project
the improved status of TWUs as managers of the many others. The borrowers have to meet
is training and supporting Water Supply
SCS, TWUs are more confident to coordinate the scheme’s strict technical and financial
and Environment Companies to develop
with local authorities. They have gained requirements. The SCS is challenged by
computerised septic tank management
respect and status from town and provincial competing sources of money with less strict
systems and has supplied vacuum trucks to
authorities, in some cases being given adherence to procedures and requirements.
each town for desludging. The Public Works
additional funds to manage for loan schemes. However, by using the SCS, borrowers know
Company in Ha Tien for example, is starting
to see desludging as both a necessary urban TWUs have improved their understanding of that they can have the benefit of a septic
service and a business opportunity. Currently poverty. They are now less likely to make tank toilet, satisfaction of having discharged
households have to save for desludging costs assumptions about living conditions and the loan, and access to funding for other
every 3-5 years (depending on household size attitudes and beliefs of the poor. TWUs have purposes.
and tank size), although in the future this developed pro-poor policies for the very poor The target clientele for the loans are poor
could be a new type of loan. IEC materials on including longer repayment terms, and households. This is a challenge in terms
septic tank operation and maintenance have reduced interest charges. Town authorities and of achieving repayments and avoiding
been distributed to households to improve water supply companies have contributed by defaulting. The SCS successfully kept loan
LT HAO
Borrower can build his own toilet with technical support from the SCS
their technical understanding of maintenance providing free septic tanks to charity recipients sizes to a minimum by not funding the full
requirements. such as the disabled, and free water supply toilet so as not to over-burden the poor with
connections to very poor households within unrealistic repayment terms. Borrowers need
the water supply service area that borrow to be resourceful to complete construction
from the SCS for a septic tank. These actions of their toilets, and many have had informal
The poor have shown that they can afford to build septic have not undermined the septic tank loan gifts or assistance from families and
tanks and repay loans and after repaying they are continuing schemes as only those with special needs neighbours, or have reused construction
to save money informally for other essential items to improve qualify for this assistance. The effect has, material such as tin, wood, plastic sheeting
however, been to broaden acceptance of or whatever is available from home or
their living conditions. good sanitation for everyone. neighbours. The SCS has been successful
Due to community demand, a similar program in achieving high repayment rates by
to the SCS has been created for water supply encouraging daily savings of poor households.
30
To date no loan defaults have been reported, A challenge to the scheme was the initial reports, and evaluation results, as well as applied. The success of the scheme is due
however there are isolated cases in all towns scepticism of Town People’s Committees, inviting these organisations to attend launches, to a community-based approach, in which
of some households delaying payment for a Water Supply and Environment Companies hand over and milestone ceremonies and even the poor can repay by daily saving.
few days, usually due to personal crises such and, to some extent, the TWUs themselves. workshops. This approach has contributed to The process is appropriate and accepted
as sickness or death in the family. These Initially there was little trust that both the long term sustainable partnerships between by the community and local government.
delays are usually solved locally, for example borrowers and the TWUs could manage the the TWUs and other organisations.
by the ward WU providing a short term loan; scheme accountably. To achieve this trust,
Increased capital funds from the Project and What’s changed for the Bac Lieu TWU
local community/neighbours funding one the TWUs were given ongoing support by the
formal hand over of the schemes to the TWUs During 2005-2006 the Project undertook
repayment; extended family contributing project, including training and advice to help
also showed town authorities that the project surveys and discussions with TWUs to find
money; daily savings; weekly repayments; build their confidence and good management
believed the TWUs were capable of out the organisational impact of the SCS.
and in one case, daily repayments to the practices, particularly during the first 18
implementing the schemes. The Bac Lieu TWU felt their capacity had
Field Worker. This demonstrates the range months of loan operation.
improved with the credit scheme. The main
of informal responses which are possible Giving borrowers the loan funds into their
Each month, loan repayment results and the change was the growing working relation-
to prevent loan default. hands directly, and giving them the power to
number of new septic tanks built were reported ships the TWU had built with many different
decide who builds their septic tank, showed
Although a proportion of the interest to Town People’s Committees and the Water people and organisations such as the Ward
confidence in their ability. Borrowers
component of monthly repayments is Supply and Environment Companies to keep and Commune People’s Committees and the
responded to this trust and have paid back
available to compensate for defaults, draw them informed. Over time, these organisations Water Supply and Environment Company.
loans in good faith. The TWUs have established The TWU noted that they are out in the
down of this money has not been required could see from the reports that the SCS was
time frames for building the toilet after community more and are closer to the Town
and it instead goes towards growing the achieving its objectives and being success-
receipt of the loan, and have strictly followed People’s Committee. Previously the TWU
capital fund. Careful scrutiny of borrowers fully managed. Trust was also built through
up to make sure this happens. For borrowers, was only involved in quite narrow Women’s
and a requirement for outstanding loans to open communication between the TWUs and
the loan scheme has been flexible enough to Union activities. Now they are more con-
be paid off before taking the septic tank loan the Town People’s Committee and Water and
suit individual circumstances but the loan fident and better at financial management.
has been a safeguard for the credit scheme, Environment Companies, through sharing
regulations have been fairly and consistently
as well as reducing the financial burden and information such as strategy documents,
vulnerability of households. Feedback on the
repayment amount is that it is very suitable
for people.
31
Lessons and Recommendations Most women in families and work organisations are not professional people and most are
are members of the WU, so the SCS rightly nominated from ward or commune level.
A revolving credit scheme is a successful way
targets women as borrowers. Support has included training, development
of multiplying sanitation coverage. From grants
of awareness materials, workshops, equipment
of AU$144,000 over the four and a half years An SCS works best with the involvement of
procurement, discussions and problem
of scheme operation so far, the SCS has been a broad range of stakeholders, not just those
solving, and has undoubtedly given the SCS
able to directly (i.e. using loans) construct directly implementing the scheme. The
in each town a solid foundation from which
4,387 septic tanks. The SCSs have also coordination and working relationship between
to grow.
influenced the construction of a further TWUs and Town authorities, Youth Union,
1,500-2,000 septic tanks built indirectly (i.e. Peasant Association, Ward and Commune Although the project concludes in 2008, the
without using loans). Had the Government of People’s Committee, sub-ward and community SCS has been operated independently by the
Australia funding been given directly to house- group leaders was very important to the TWUs since mid 2005 and without any direct
holds as one-off grants for construction of success of the SCS. project support or advice since October 2006.
septic tanks it would have built only 770 The schemes continue to be operated carefully
Sharing of ideas and experiences of the three
septic tanks. and sustainably by the TWUs, with a growing
towns has significant benefit. Bringing TWUs
number of septic tanks being built each year.
Finding the right organisation to carry out together face-to-face is effective for learning
The sustainability of the schemes is assured
all aspects of a credit scheme, not just the how other towns tackle problems as well as
by the revolving funding arrangements, built
financial loans, is very important. As a mass developing support networks.
in incentives and thorough training for
organisation with networks at the grass roots
The amount of support required for a new implementers, and clear scheme regulations
level, credit experience, and with a charter to
(and more rigorous) SCS should not be under- and guidelines. In the future, as the coverage
promote better family health, the Vietnam
estimated. In this case the TWU needed to be of septic tanks increases and the need for a
Women’s Union has unique advantages as
supported to strengthen staff capacity—they septic tank credit scheme diminishes, the
the operator and manager of these schemes.
TWUs can apply the principles of the credit
scheme to use the funds for other develop-
ment needs such as water connections,
desludging, and house improvements.
LT HAO
Evaluation training workshop for FMBs and Field Workers organised by 3DT Project
32
FIJI
The Context World Health Organisation (WHO), Fiji Ministry the associated signage; and 2) the Community
of Health (MoH), the Fiji School of Medicine Program, which included hands-on
Government bodies and the public have
and the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience composting toilet construction training and
tended to give little attention to sanitation
Commission (SOPAC) who worked together to community workshops under WHO’s
issues in the Pacific resulting in a lack of
implement the project with funding provided ‘Healthy Islands Initiative’1 banner.
investment and therefore inadequate PNG
by WHO and the New Zealand Agency for
development in the sector. This has had a
International Development (NZAID). The Sanitation Park
knock-on effect on the provision of good
FI JI
training facilities for public health workers Fiji was specifically the focus of the project The Sanitation Park component of the
and appropriate community education. As a because it is the only island country in the project contains a range of demonstration
A US TR ALI A PA CI FI C O CE AN
consequence, overall awareness and under- Pacific region, apart from Papua New Guinea, systems, beginning with low-level technology
standing of appropriate excreta disposal, with the facilities to train sanitary engineers. facilities to progressively higher-level
hygienic practices and maintenance and In a pre-project survey carried out in 2000, treatment systems, in a ‘sanitation ladder’ Sanitation Coverage: Fiji
operation of sanitation systems by health three Fijian communities were selected for of available treatment and disposal options. Total: Rural: Urban
JMP 2006
workers and communities is limited. The the project: Keiyasi in Sigatoka District, 72% 55% 87%
Sanitation Park Project was designed to Balevuto in Ba District and Nadelei in Tavua
provide support to communities and health District. The survey indicated that Keiyasi,
workers in Fiji to identify and address their Balevuto and Nadelei had populations of 91,
sanitation problems. The Park, located at the 191 and 315 respectively. In addition to Acknowledgements
Fiji School of Medicine (FSMed), Tamavua community members, district health workers We acknowledge the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Campus in Suva, provides a range of selected from the three communities and 10 FSMed and the New Zealand Agency for International Development
affordable sanitation technologies to be students from various faculties of the school (NZAID) through their New Zealand Pacific Initiative for the
used for demonstration purposes. were engaged in the project. Environment (NZ-PIE) scheme for the financial assistance
provided to the project. We would like to thank the project
The Sanitation Park Project, carried out from
2000 to 2004, aimed to address the lack of The Process team and the key agencies involved in this initiative, Fiji
Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organisation
awareness and understanding of design, The project was implemented by the Project
SOPAC
drainage trench for composting toilet
participants to return to their villages and
work places with new skills and knowledge
and share these experiences with their
respective communities.
• Stage 2: Community Workshops under
WHO and MoH ‘Healthy Islands Initiative’
in Keiyasi, Balevuto and Nadelei. The
workshops, facilitated by the Project Team Each system in the sanitation park
in the selected communities, built upon
is accompanied by informative
the training in Stage 1 and involved key
participants reporting back to the community signage illustrating the system
on their experiences in taking part in the design and the ‘do’s and don’ts’
hands-on training. The main purpose for
of location and usage.
the community workshops was to mobilize
the village participants to develop Action
Plans using the ‘Healthy Islands’ approach
and to highlight a range of sanitation and
health issues.
• Stage 3: Ongoing Inspections and
Demonstrations at the Sanitation Park for the
public and environmental health students.
SOPAC
34
The Impact
A community workshop at Keiyasi: An example of the community engagement approach
Regional Applications
What happened? What was the impact?
The Project, although implemented in Fiji, has
The two-day workshop in Keiyasi involved representatives from Keiyasi and three The Headman’s presentation on his regional application in that the technologies
other nearby villages, with 43 participants in all. Key activities undertaken during the experiences at the Sanitation Park sparked on display are applicable to other countries
workshop included: much interest in the CT, which the village within the Pacific. The location of the
participants had never heard of before. Sanitation Park at a regional training institute,
• Opening prayers and a sermon by the local pastor focusing on the connection
Keiyasi only had reticulated water for a the Fiji School of Medicine, ensures that the
between cleanliness and Godliness;
couple of hours a day, and households had Sanitation Park is used as a training site
• An introduction to the Healthy Islands program by a Project Team member and to pay for their water usage, so a toilet which is available to regional students
government health inspector, in which they discussed threats to environmental and which did not use water, and did not need undergoing health services training. To date,
public health such as poor drainage, inadequate disposal of rubbish and the impact to be moved around (such as is required over 250 people have visited the Sanitation
of domestic animals within the village; with a pit latrine) had immediate practical Park, including residents from nearby villages,
• A presentation by the Headman of Keiyasi, who had been a participant of the appeal. News about the CT spread through health workers and students from FSMed and
hands-on training in Suva, on his understanding of the demonstration models the village after the first day and additional the University of the South Pacific.
at Sanitation Park and in particular the construction of the composting toilet (CT). participants attended on the second day.
Discussion and questions followed, including a number of queries focused on practical People were interested in building the CT at Physical and Environmental Concerns
usage, cleaning and maintenance of the CT system as well as questions about how their homes in the Keiyasi district and on
The Sanitation Park includes systems which
funding and materials could be accessed to build the CT toilet in the village; their home islands such as the Yasawas.
meet design and construction standards in
• Video footage of CTs in Australia; Saving water seemed to be the main
terms of dimensions, fixtures and materials.
motivation.
• Group prioritisation of environmental and health issues in their villages which The demonstration systems illustrate ‘best
required attention; In addition to generating interest in the CT, practice’ approaches which minimise or limit
• A presentation by two medical students on a profile of Keiyasi that they had feedback from workshop participants the impact of wastewater effluent on the
developed from a survey conducted in previous months. This data included number indicated that the workshop had brought environment and community health if
and type of toilets in a percentage of houses, drainage problems, and certain diseases new knowledge to the village about how to properly designed and built. The Park also
detected in the surveyed group, such as diabetes, skin disorders, elevated blood decrease the number of sick people taken showcases a zero-discharge CT system, an
pressure and obesity; to the hospital by improving hygiene innovative approach to sanitation in the
conditions in the village including proper Pacific region.
Women and men involved in the village workshops developing community Action Plans on sanitation for example, the food on the first day was
appropriate action;
36
• During workshops, participants were more • Having trainees present what they have
likely to ask detailed questions, especially learnt to their community is an effective
about sanitation systems like the CT, when method to reinforce and clarify the
the opportunity for informal contact occurred, message, but it is also important that the
for example during meal times or during trainee has the confidence and ability to
the small group work. In the evaluation of explain the information in a public setting;
the workshops, it was noted that more • Overall participation and understanding in
informal sessions such as these should be a community appears to be increased by
considered to improve interaction between the active involvement of women in the
people, particularly given the nature of the practical training, discussion and decision-
subject matter and cultural taboos around making. It may be necessary to ensure that
discussing such issues openly; and women are not prevented from attending
• In their evaluations, community the workshop because of their domestic
participants recommended that workshops responsibilities;
could have been improved by hands-on • Having the right representatives to carry
training in CT construction in the village, messages and information through to the
rather than just in Suva, and that the community is important. It is essential
workshops could have provided more real- that the community representative at any
life demonstrations to assist the villagers training outside of the village, such as
in grasping the concepts presented. the hands-on CT training carried at the
Sanitation Park, is a senior member of the
Lessons and Recommendations village to be able to carry some authority
SOPAC
Participants from the Wastewater Training Course examining the sanitary well at the Sanitation Park
Although there were many lessons learned over informing and decision making in the
during the Sanitation Park Project, the village on their return; and
References
following are amongst the most important: • Avoid if possible, having the village women
Bower, R., Crennan L. and Navatoga, A. (2005). The Khatri, K.S., Iddings, K., Krishna, K.N. and Young, T. (2005).
who are meant to participate in the work- Sanitation Park Project: A regional initiative to increase The Sanitation Park Project. SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 595.
• Practical hands-on training and demon-
shop involved in training arrangements participatory approaches in the sanitation sector. SOPAC
stration is an effective way to promote Technical Report 386. Suva: SOPAC.
Pickford, J. (1995). Low-cost sanitation – a survey of practical
such as catering as this takes priority over experience. UK: ITDG Publishing.
sanitation systems and convey the
their workshop participation. Crennan, L. (2001). Integration of social and technical
principles behind various approaches. science in groundwater in groundwater monitoring and
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). (2002).
A directory of environmentally sound technologies for the
People are empowered by learning management– Groundwater pollution study on Lifuka,
technical skills and knowing that they can Conclusion Ha’apai, Tonga. Recharge study on Bonriki, South Tarawa,
integrated management of solid, liquid and hazardous waste
for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific.
Kiribati. International Hydrological Program. IHP Humid
make well-informed choices, and that they The Sanitation Park Project is one example Tropics Program. Technical Documents in Hydrology.
OPUS International with SPREP and SOPAC.
can construct and maintain the systems of how a demonstration Park and hands-on No. 43. UNESCO. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene website of Community
themselves. In the Pacific region there are training can be used as a capacity building Crennan, L. (2004). Tapping Connections between People
Lifelines Program at SOPAC. Accessed at: www.sopac.org/
tiki/tiki-index.php?page=WASH+.Programme.
limited opportunities for such training. tool and an entry point to enhance and and Water. SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 577. Suva: SOPAC.
Wider use of the demonstration facility improve the knowledge of health workers Depledge, D. (1997). Sanitation for Small Islands: Guidelines
WEDC (2000). Low Cost Sanitation. UK: WEDC Publications.
and further training will ensure that and community members about sanitation, for selection and development. SOPAC Miscellaneous Report
250. Suva: SOPAC.
affordable and acceptable technologies hygiene and health. There are clearly many
get replicated in other areas; benefits of such an approach, and it is hoped Dillon, P. (1997). Groundwater pollution by sanitation on
tropical islands. International Hydrological Program.
that the case study presented here can be
Technical Reports in Hydrology. No 6. UNESCO.
used to inform similar work in other localities.
37
TIMOR LESTE
JMP 2006
36% 33% 66% population of less than one million, 60% district. The sanitation program took a partial
commenced a Water and Sanitation Program
is illiterate, whilst 40% of children are subsidy approach whereby households were
in Aileu District, in the rural highlands of
malnourished. The average family size is 7.8, provided with different options for latrine
Timor Leste. The objectives of this program
and the population is growing rapidly. Only models ranging from a simple pit to a pour-
were to provide reliable and adequate water
58% of Timorese have access to water supply flush latrine.
supply, household toilets and associated
and about 36% have access to adequate hygiene education in selected program From mid 2007, WaterAid Australia’s
sanitation. The Government of Timor Leste villages whilst building capacity of NGO partner operations were expanded to the nearby
has committed to meet the MDG targets in and community management groups (Groupu district of Liquica. In the initial project
both water and sanitation. By 2015, if the
targets are met, 67% of the population
should have adequate sanitation facilities.
D BAJRACHARYA
Community Water and Sanitation, Timor Leste for his
positive view of CLTS. Finally, to Mr. James Wicken, WaterAid
Asia Region Advocacy Officer for encouraging me to pilot Local masons constructing a latrine
CLTS in Timor Leste.
selection and scoping, it was found that route of disease, and thereby created an The Impact in Aileu Based on a sample survey of 53 house-
over 90% of the households in program interest in building toilets. Information Every household involved in the project holds, self-reported toilet usage and hand
villages in Liquica practiced open defecation. Education and Communication (IEC) materials built a pour-flush latrine, with a total of 304 washing after defecation amongst men,
Access to drinking water supply was severely and tools such as children’s drama were households toilets built during the two year women and children had increased
limited, with water collection taking at least designed to deliver key messages related to period. Some of the pour-flush latrines somewhat from baseline levels. In terms
90 minutes for a round trip. In this severely the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases and enabled families to improve and upgrade of behaviour change, the project was thus
water-scarce situation the use of subsidies, control of malaria and dengue fever. These existing poor sanitation facilities. As there found to have made some impact on
which had resulted in the construction of included hand washing at critical times (e.g. were already some toilets in the villages, households in the targeted communities,
pour-flush latrines in Aileu, was considered after defecation, before eating) and latrine these 304 toilets helped all seven although the difficulties and limitations of
to be inappropriate. In order to promote construction. communities reach total coverage. verifying reported usage were noted.
rapid behaviour change and create an urgent
As demand for sanitation was created through
demand for latrines, WAAus decided to pilot
greater awareness of health issues, various
a new approach, Community Led Total
latrines models were presented to the
Sanitation (CLTS).
communities ranging from basic pit latrines
This case study explores WAAus experiences to pour-flush latrines. Households were then
in Aileu and Liquica with the use of two very able to select their choice of model. The
different approaches to sanitation: subsidies project provided a subsidy for all non-local
and CLTS. Whilst WAAus is only in the pilot materials required for the latrine up to the
stages of CLTS, it is clear that the approach platform level. The contribution from the
is already making an impact and presents a project per latrine ranged from no subsidy for
major opportunity for effectively changing a simple pit, to US$32 for a VIP latrine, to a
behaviour, engendering community-initiated maximum subsidy of US$78 for a pour-flush
action to stop open defecation and creating latrine. Each household was responsible for
demand for latrines without the use of digging the pit and contributed labour (both
external subsidies. skilled and unskilled) to the construction of
the latrine. Households were also responsible
Early work in Aileu district for building the latrine superstructure using
In 2006, the first year of project local material and labour.
implementation, WAAus and Plan began a To the program team’s surprise, despite
number of water and sanitation projects in the costs in cash and in kind, and more
villages around the district town of Aileu. importantly despite limited access to water,
These villages all had easy road access to every one of the households selected a pour-
Aileu, and all were located near fertile farm flush latrine as their choice. In discussions, it
land along the river bank. About 30% of the was found that households aspired to build
households in each village already had some pour-flush latrines out of sense of pride due
form of toilet. to its high status in the eyes of the community.
In the first stage of the projects, participatory Pour-flush latrines are regarded as the
health and hygiene promotion programs “Indonesian model” which only a very few
D BAJRACHARYA
were undertaken. These programs provided well-off household could acquire during the
information on the faecal-oral transmission years of Indonesian occupation. A children’s drama on hygiene education
39
Moving to a new approach in Liquica CLTS was thought to be particularly suitable including the CLTS guidelines and experiences Although most of the faeces had been eaten
In mid 2007, WAAus began a new program in the rural poor villages of Liquica for many from other countries such as Nepal were up by pigs and dogs, the remains of the
in Liquica district. Compared to Aileu, open reasons, including: reviewed. The CLTS guidelines were translated faeces were visible to the community groups
defecation was found to be much more wide- • More than 90% of the community into Tetum, the local language, and and they became very enthusiastic about
spread and latrine coverage much lower. members in the Liquica villages resorted distributed to partners and staff. In addition doing something to stop open defecation.
Initial scoping studies found that more than to open defecation. There was thus a need to these preparations, officials from the Sub
Once ‘triggered’ to act to stop open
90% of households in program villages in for community-wide commitment to the District Administrator’s Office and the
defecation, householders were found to
Liquica practiced open defecation. Most total elimination of this practice. The focus Department of Water Supply and Sanitation
immediately begin latrine construction. At
village households in Liquica had not build on ‘total sanitation’ would move away (DNSAS) were consulted to discuss the
that stage, there was a strong feeling that the
or used even the most basic latrine. from a household-centred approach and approach and ensure proper coordination.
whole village was united to build latrines and
Promoting a radical change in community make stopping open defecation a Ignition PRA and ‘triggering’ events work began at once. Young children were
acceptance of open defecation was the community responsibility. observed to be helping their parents to dig
When the team was suitably prepared, a
pressing issue in these villages. It was • Since widespread open defection was the their pit, and men and women carried bamboo
series of Ignition Participatory Rural Appraisal
therefore felt that the hardware subsidy norm in the project villages, the first step from a distance. Four widows of one village
(PRA) sessions were held in all five villages.
approach, which focuses on individual house- towards improving the sanitation situation were helped by their neighbours to build
The Ignition PRA process includes the use
holds and often promotes models that are was to build simple pit latrines. This would their latrines. The goal for each village was
of participatory tools to help the community
high in cost and require external input, would be immediately rewarding and within the to reach total ‘Open Defecation Free’ (ODF)
identify and analyse their current sanitation
not be the most effective. In Aileu, providing villages’ reach. status, and this meant ensuring everyone’s
situation, particularly the issue of open
a hardware subsidy had resulted in the participation.
• The pace of latrine construction would not defecation. The 'ignition' process uses
construction of pour-flush latrines. It was
be contingent upon the project’s ability to various PRA tools such as the transect walk,
clear that this latrine model would be unsuitable Constructing latrines
provide external inputs, but would instead social mapping, problem trees, and
to the isolated and severely water-stressed
be driven by a demand from the community. defecation site visits to analyse the problem. The CLTS approach encourages people to
villages of Liquica. This led the program team
If the approach was successful, it would The ignition in the community takes place design their own toilets using some basic
to consider adopting the CLTS approach.
create an urgency to construct latrines, when people become aware that they are design principles, and to make use of
potentially bringing more immediate unknowingly ingesting one other’s faeces available materials. Initially, nearly all of the
benefits to households and communities. due to the practice of open defecation. This villagers built simple pit latrines. They dug
• CLTS would encourage people to design moment of realisation is utilised to exert peer pits about two meters deep and covered
and construct their own latrine models, pressure on people defecating in the open so these with wooden joists, leaving a squatting
thus building confidence in local that they build latrines. Similarly women and hole in the middle. In most cases, scrap tin
knowledge and initiative. young girls are encouraged to put pressure or wood was used to make a lid to cover the
on the male head of the household to build squatting hole. Most of the squatting plat-
Piloting CLTS in Liquica latrines for their comfort and privacy. forms were finished with loose earth, which
the villagers think need to be improved once
Once the program team had made the During the defecation site visits, the Liquica
a water system is built. The pits were connected
decision to pilot the CLTS approach in Liquica, community groups walked to the places
to ventilation pipes made of bamboo.
it was necessary to conduct a series of where defecation occurred and considered
orientation programs with program partners where these places were in relation to
and staff. WAAus conducted training waterways and water points. In this way, the
sessions on the principles and tools of CLTS linkage between open defecation and water
D BAJRACHARYA
and the methodology used for the Ignition resource contamination was simply illustrated.
An example of a household pit toilet in Liquica PRA process (see below). Various documents
40
Moving up the ‘sanitation ladder’ Impacts thus far
The pit latrines built after the ‘triggering’ events WAAus are now in the very early stages of the
were only the first step up the sanitation CLTS process, but the initial results are very
ladder for the villagers. CLTS has triggered the encouraging. In 42 days from the commence-
demand and enabled community members to ment of the sanitation program in Liquica,
gain some experience with latrine construction total sanitation coverage in all five target
and design. Many are now considering how villages was achieved. This is a remarkable
to improve the quality of their toilets. Some achievement within such a short timeframe!
of the improvements that the communities
are planning to make include: The initial success of the CLTS program in the
five villages of Liquica has drawn the attention
• Adding a smooth finish to the squatting
of many organisations working in the water
area so that it can be easily cleaned;
and sanitation sector in Timor Leste
• Some improvements to the latrine lids to including Plan, Oxfam, World Vision and
protect flies from entering the squatting hole; the AusAID funded Rural Water Supply and
• Ventilation pipes to be covered to protect Sanitation Project. An inter-agency workshop
D BAJRACHARYA
flies entering or exiting; and training program on CLTS was held in
• Proper roofs to prevent rain water entering late 2007 in Dili to further promote the
A group of villagers during an Ignition PRA exercise: The first step of the CLTS process
and damage during the rainy season; and approach (see box below).
42
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Context local black market. The other two grants in Daulo District through the provision of safe
Sanitation Coverage: Papua New Guinea
are financial grants based on the number drinking and hand washing water, sanitation
While our politicians dream of three storey Total: Rural: Urban
of students who attend a specific school; (including hand washing facilities) and
JMP 2006
library buildings and providing individual 44% 41% 67%
however, in practice schools are lucky to health education.
internet access to our university students, the A US TR ALI A
receive one of these grants and normally
vast majority of the rural schools in Papua New To date we have constructed our innovative
this arrives months late.
Guinea are still without the most basic facilities, designed ‘ATloo’ Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP)
including simple toilets. And it is not The school fee issue is also very interesting. sit-down toilet in over 140 schools. We have
uncommon to find both teachers and students Children in PNG have a right under the supported this construction with a range of
defecating in the long grass surrounding our constitution to receive an education, some- software projects including a set of health
schools, with this human waste later being thing of course we would all applaud. But and hygiene board games called ‘Worms &
consumed by the local pig population. here again the schools generally end up Germs’ and workshops for teachers and
being the loser as they are not in the position students. This program continues to be the
In 2000, ATprojects Inc. started a demon-
to expel students who do not pay what is only such program in this sector operating in
stration project in the Eastern Highlands
now called a project fee (a school fee by the Eastern Highlands Province and remains
Province to build a newly designed sit-down
another name). a focal point for development of school
toilet in selected rural schools. The idea was
based health and hygiene programs in PNG.
that the school could duplicate these toilets The reality for most schools is that they are
that used locally available materials and all lucky if they receive 30% of the budgeted
we had to do was show them how to do it. project fee. This means that they find them-
selves in the position where they can only
This project was however, pretty much a Acknowledgements
purchase the basic educational items they
failure as while we understood the sanitation This program would not have been possible without
need and the necessities such as good
needs and the technical parameters of the the initial support of Water for Survival, a small funding
toilets are of course forgotten.
project we did not at that point fully under- organisation from New Zealand. Later Oxfam NZ took over
stand how these rural schools survived. Luckily for our project, our enlightened donor the funding role and their support has been a key element
partner also saw this reality and we were able in the program's success. They have not only provided the
Rural schools in PNG should receive four
to change our project to move away from funding to assist our target schools, but played the role of
grants during the course of the year plus
the idea of demonstration toilets to directly a real partner to ATprojects and this relationship has grown
school fees from the parents. The reality is
meeting the needs of these rural schools from strength to strength. We would also like to thank
that two of these grants are in fact material WaterAid Australia for their support and encouragement and
in terms of toilets and now hand washing
grants from the government providing Engineers Without Borders at The University of Queensland for
facilities. We thus began an ambitious
teaching materials to the schools but more all their help in developing the ‘Round Loo’. But most
project which aimed to improve the health
often than not these materials never turn up
ATprojects
status of about 3,500 students (44% girls) importantly the Directors of ATprojects would like to thank
and in some cases end up being sold on the Moulds being prepared at Oliguti Primary School all our Papua New Guinean staff for working long hours to
in 10 rural community and primary schools
ensure that this and our other programs make a difference.
The Process We contacted the Department of Education These findings were presented to the National teachers who would use these materials.
again and eventually it was suggested that Department of Education. In the Department’s For example, the development of a set of
Determining the number of toilets needed
this ratio had in fact come from Australia, most recent publication, the NIGPCS, these ‘Worms and Germs’ board games was carried
The initial problem we faced was how many something we were unable to confirm. ratios have been adopted. out during a school term break, with teachers
toilets to build to meet the needs of each We decided that to come up with a more volunteering their time and expertise.
school. We turned to the National Department With these figures we were able to plan
appropriate ratio we would need to test a
of Education and asked for some guidelines out a project that would accommodate the All of the teaching materials developed have
large number of students and after much
and were told that a ratio of 1 toilet to every 216 schools here in the Eastern Highlands been done in a way to ensure that they are
debate we decided on 3,000 male students
25 students was the PNG standard. As a Province, and implement this project over not only interesting to our target students,
and 3,000 female students. Our aim was to
gender sensitive organisation, the alarm perhaps a 12 year period. but are easily understood and in most cases
record not only how long each gender took to
bells immediately began to ring as the word the language used is Tok Pisin, Papua New
go to the toilet, but also at what time of the
‘children’ didn’t seem to account for Creating suitable workshop materials Guinea’s most commonly used language.
day they went.
differences between boys and girls. As primarily a technology-based organisation, This aspect of our program is one of the keys
Very soon into the research we discovered ATprojects needed assistance to develop the to our success, as we have found that in
two things, the first and most obvious is that teaching materials used in the program. Our most cases ‘importing’ teaching materials
boys tended to be like racing car drivers donor partner was able to provide short-term from other countries very rarely works.
bursting in and out of the toilet without consultants to work alongside the rural based
changing gear. Girls on the other hand
tended to be more laid back about their daily
visits to the toilet. The other fact that was
initially not so obvious was that there was
a particular time of day which we called the
PUP (Peak Use Period) when students visited
the toilets and this was around the morning
recess. What we discovered was that boys on
average take 72 seconds to go to the toilet
(the record being just under 14 seconds)
while the girls on average take a much more
leisurely 124 seconds.
ATprojects
The ATloo sit-down toilet K11,000, an approximate saving of K9,000. Children making roofs for ATloos
44
The Impact In PNG, society is based around mutual Wider Influence transferred to the home villages of our target
respect and give and take. It is therefore a There is a growing interest in the program students. In most cases these homes only
Behaviour Change little strange for people to accept assistance from schools yet to be worked in. ATprojects have a bush toilet at best. There are very low
Monitoring in four of our target schools from donors without following the cultural is providing training in the construction of both replication rates of the ATloo and other models
indicates that an average of 91.2% of girls norm of paying something back. Our training ferro-cement tanks and ATloos to an NGO promoted by the local Health Department,
and 80% of boys are using the ATloo during workshops use the culturally acceptable working in another province. In addition, perhaps due to the perception that they are
lesson times. In many schools, older toilets threat that if schools do not look after the a large gold mining company has requested too expensive for these rural families.
with dirty floors have now been replaced with projects assets ATprojects will come and take ATloo training for eight landowners who after Once again we found ourselves in a position
ATloos and students have no problems using them back and they would no longer be a their training will be contracted by the mine to of really not having the data we required to
them. This is demonstrated by the fact that part of our development program. While this build ATloos in the communities surrounding develop a low cost design for a household
the bush areas surrounding the schools are approach may not fit into every development the mine site. This request was a direct result toilet slab. The only answer was to take on
now rarely used. The results show that if organisation's method of operation, it has of the mine's management seeing ATloos in rural another research project that would look at how
good toilets are available students will use been very successful and, more importantly, schools near the mine site. ATprojects has Papua New Guineans used a squat toilet,
them. Despite a focus on hand washing in has been accepted by the schools as a fair also carried out training in these technologies and 500 individuals of all ages and both
hygiene workshops, our survey indicates that and just way of working together. for the large European Commission Rural genders were tested.
only 33.7% of the girls and 24.2% of boys at Water Supply and Sanitation Program.
the four target schools washed their hands The project used a plywood model toilet
The program has been visited by all of the that was covered with graphed paper. This
after using the toilet. Moreover, once the
Provincial Education Advisors in PNG as part allowed us to identify where people placed
soap provided by ATprojects was used up,
of a training workshop for these senior their feet so that we could design appropriate
few schools replaced the soap.
education officers arranged by senior staff of footpads. We were then able to identity
Community Participation BEDP (Basic Education Development Program, where people missed the hole in our model
an AusAid /PNG Government program). During and thereby redesign the hole to ensure that
This program is a very good example of how
2006, a Member of the National Parliament the largest amount of excrement and urine
a development program can generate the
invested over K5,000 in an ATprojects ATloo ended up in the pit. This project also worked
maximum participation from a community. Each
construction training workshop, where four very closely with Engineers Without Borders
school-based project involves the school board,
young tradesmen were trained. This training at The University of Queensland to design
teaching staff, parent and student bodies.
was followed up with a commitment of a slab that used a minimum amount of
Apart from increasing the capacity of our
K50,000 for the construction of ATloos in the reinforcing and is thus cheap to produce.
rural schools to provide suitable toilet and
Member’s home area in the Western Highlands
hand washing facilities, the program also This new slab is now being promoted in areas
Province. These funds are from the National
provides a way for these schools to maintain around our target schools and is creating a
Government’s budget, rather than overseas
these assets in the longer term. There continues lot of interest from not only rural people, but
donor funding.
to be evidence that the schools we have and also other development organisations. This
are working with are looking after the assets we new design will allow families interested in
helped to provide and that this is contributing Next Steps having a VIP toilet to get one at an affordable
to a better and healthier school environment. price, by way of a Kina-for-Kina program. The
Moving towards household toilet promotion
The program is also demonstrating that rural Wash your hands after you use the toilet above process has not only been time con-
While the school based program is going very
communities can, by working together, improve suming and required real initiative from our
well, to achieve any real lasting health impact
their schools and this in time will help to project staff, but has clearly demonstrated the
we need to complement this program with an
provide a better standard of education for need to move away from projects that fit neatly
additional toilet design that can be easily
their children. into any one particular donor’s budget cycle.
45
Improving hand washing behaviour Keeping sanitation on the agenda • It is essential to provide practical In terms of feedback on this training,
Clearly the idea of hand washing still needs The issue for ATprojects is how to keep toilets instruction on how to use the toilet to we often get parents and teaching staff
to be promoted. While schools may see this the topic of conversation! And this can only students during toilet construction and commenting that while this type of aware-
as important, the idea of purchasing soap be done by a commitment to an on-going again during the opening ceremony. While ness is culturally difficult to carry out with
and not exercise books is not something that program that views success not as a series the training materials we use are helpful, young children, what we do is very
comes easily to teachers. With the lack of of completed projects but as a real long-term the best method of transferring the important.
school funding for soap, it is necessary to come partnership with our target schools and knowledge to use a sit down toilet is still a • Bringing about long-term change takes
up with alternatives such as showing students communities. All too often in PNG programs one-to-one demonstration. Our experience considerable time and commitment, and
how to use ash to clean their hands. We need come and go depending on a donor’s ability is that once the majority of the student it can not be rushed. The interest we have
to continually promote this issue in the same to fund a local NGO's work. ATprojects is body understand how to use the toilets, seen from government officials, NGOs and
way as we have promoted better toilets. different in this regard as it generates a large the remaining students very quickly get private companies is, we feel, a start in the
percentage of its own income and is committed the idea. process of ‘mainstreaming’ our work. Of
to the long-term development of sanitation • Securing the support of Headmasters, course this process did not happen quickly
projects in PNG. school teachers and Boards of Management or by some outside consultant ‘pushing’
at the schools through Responsibility the idea. We have been able to slowly
Lessons Workshops is a key component to introduce the ideas behind our program in
sustainability. The conditions and a way that is identified as ‘home-grown’
Over the years we have learned many lessons,
cleanliness of toilets have more to do with and appropriate for rural development.
but there is no doubt that the biggest lesson
the Headmasters than how they are used
is that to really have a positive impact on
rural development it is not money that makes
during the day. In schools where Head- Conclusion
masters promote health and hygiene,
a difference. What is most important is taking If we are really going to have an impact on
toilets are often looked after. Similarly,
time to get people involved, developing the overall health and sanitation of our rural
in these schools better rates of hand
partnerships with communities and donors communities we need to recognise that it is
washing have been observed.
and above all having staff that are willing to going to be a long term process. As technology
work in sometimes challenging environments. • Continually promoting maintenance and improves and people become slowly more
The main reward is seeing a small improvement providing on-going teacher training is aware of the options available to them they
in communities’ standard of living. essential. We have seen that in schools will look for organisations to offer them
ATprojects
where the teachers were part of the initial assistance. The question is if the government,
If we had to list all the lessons we have learned school-based project there is a higher NGOs and donors will be there when they ask
the following six would be top of the list: level of maintenance and cleanliness.
While the ATloo has been designed with for help. We must be ready and willing to
rural schools in mind, the newer “Round Loo” • Health education workshops for teachers Re-engaging these staff through refresher work with communities at their pace to create
which is low cost and easy to make is are an important part of the program as training is therefore very important. This is change that is lasting. This is more a matter
proving to be a hit in local village households. they provide an opportunity to talk about particularly true given the high staff turnover of time, patience and commitment than of
In fact ATprojects is training a number of the issues of better toilets and why hand rate at schools in the Eastern Highlands. money. Indeed, in PNG there is ample
young rural women to make the round cement washing is important. We have found that • School hygiene education sessions evidence to suggest that the hundreds of
slabs and sell them to villagers. This just discussing these issues brings them provide an entry point for information and millions of kina that have been invested in
approach to disseminating a technology is into the open and schools are slowly education about HIV and AIDS. ATprojects the past in these types of projects has made
interesting in that it provides an incentive starting to think about what can be done is one of the few NGOs working in rural very little difference as many people still
for these women to promote toilet to improve the general health of their schools and also providing HIV and AIDS defecate under a bright Pacific sky.
construction and use. students. awareness to upper-grade school children.
46
INDONESIA
Sumatra INDONESIA
The Context Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency, the main reason why sanitation has ranked
Government of Indonesia, another 50,000 so low in people's minds. Pre-tsunami, the
On December 26th 2004, the Asian Tsunami
to 70,000 houses will be built and 80,000 population primarily used defecation areas
and the earthquake which caused it tore
repaired in tsunami-affected areas before located outside the habitat area, for
down a great deal of the infrastructure along
the end of 2009. example paddy fields or the beach. The use
the coast of the province of Nanggroe Aceh
of improved sanitation was rare in most rural
Darussalam (Aceh), Indonesia. Strategic Pre-tsunami, the sanitation standards in Aceh
communities.
infrastructure like water supplies were severely were poor in general. There was a reasonable
damaged and the homes of almost 200,000 understanding of the effects of poor sanitation Given the degree of the reconstruction
families were damaged or destroyed. More in the community, although experience undertaking in the tsunami’s aftermath, the
than 50,000 new houses have been built in suggests there was, and remains, a lack focus was on rapid construction. Sanitation
Aceh and Nias since then, and according to of awareness that realistic and workable was habitually given insignificant thought,
Sanitation Coverage: Indonesia
the Badan Rekonstruksi dan Rehabilitasi (BRR), sanitation options do exist. This is arguably with only simple and temporary solutions
Total: Rural: Urban
provided. As early as 2005, the Government
JMP 2006
55% 40% 73%
of Indonesia advised all housing construction
agencies regarding their responsibilities for
on-site water and sanitation on their project
sites. The post-tsunami reconstruction
program includes an upgrade of living
conditions involving the establishment of
appropriate and sustainable sanitary facilities.
The Government provides technical
specifications for septic tanks and post treat-
ment in the form of leachfields as the minimum
acceptable standard (Badan Standarisasi
Nasional 2002). While this is a positive
development, there are many challenges Acknowledgements
R.S. ARUN KUMAR; E.M. HUBA MANG
related to septic tank discharge in densely I would like to thank the people of Aceh who welcomed the
populated areas with very high water tables “other WTO” with open hands. I enjoyed their unwavering
and frequent flooding. Health and technical support all the way. I also thank the WatSan Department of
issues related to failing and poorly maintained Badan Rekonstruksi dan Rehabilitasi (BRR), Reconstruction
septic tank systems in Aceh is a major concern and Rehabilitation Agency and Assosiasi Toilet Indonesia
both for the housing agencies and the (ATI) for their field support. Many thanks to Singapore Red
State of Aceh, Indonesia after the tsunami Cross Society, for believing in us and supporting the cause
Indonesian Health Authorities.
with a futuristic vision and financial support.
Installing sustainable sanitation systems, • Soil types range from gravels to sands to identified together with the Indonesia Toilet traumatised people and is used by a wide
especially in the low-lying coastal communities clay loams to sticky clays. Soils in low- Association (ATI) and BRR and include focal range of people: youth for sports, military
in tsunami-affected Aceh, presents some lying areas remain waterlogged for many points like community centres, mosques, staff (Jasdam) for marches and exercises,
unique technological and environmental days after the rains. Some soils are free schools, and civic halls as well as orphanages, old folks for morning and evening walks.
challenges: draining while others have slow kindergartens and recreation areas. On average, about 150 people visit the park
• Groundwater tables in the resettlement percolation rates. each weekday and this number doubles on
By providing community sanitation infra-
communities are very high, typically of weekends. Besides the daily flow of people,
There are also a number of societal and structure, the project aims to restore the
the order of 0.4 m to 1 m and higher after the Park also hosts various sporting and
institutional challenges: normalcy in the daily lives of families, children
recurrent rains, thus creating serious other public events.
and communities while at the same time
construction as well as treatment • Demand for sanitation is much less clearly
introducing the concept of ecological sanitation. Another important reason for selecting the
challenges; expressed than for other services such as
In the process of setting up permanent park as the pilot project was because of the
water and power;
• The flat coastal topography provides very few sustainable sanitation infrastructure, the role the military played in the tsunami after-
opportunities for gravity flows in drainage • Sanitation systems are seen as just project trains local engineers, architects, math. The long history of regional conflict in
channels or centralised piping networks; another element of physical infrastructure. contractors, and communities, and strengthens Aceh had built up a strong sense of hostility
Communities do not recognise the benefits their capacity to design, construct and maintain between the general public and the military.
• Soil conditions vary from site to site and
of sanitation, at the household level or the environmentally sound and sustainable However, the disaster management
area to area. The tsunami had major impacts
societal level; sanitation systems. It also addresses the assistance provided by the military has gone
on low-lying topography and native soils
prove difficult to identify in many • Institutional capacity is weak, largely need to spread knowledge and create demand a long way towards breaking that hostility.
locations; and because there is not a clear ‘institutional for sanitation through a community-level In the gradual easing of tensions since the
home’ for sanitation, which leads to awareness campaign. tsunami, the perception of the military as
difficulties with policy development and outsiders is slowly changing amongst local
effective implementation; and A pilot project in Neusu Park community members. The military too have
• The focus of reconstruction has been uneven, Neusu Park is one of the 13 locations opened up their facilities (including Neusa
with too much importance on large infra- selected for the set up of a community Park) to the general public. In a continuation
structure development, and much less sustainable sanitation system. The Military of this gesture, the military officials wanted
emphasis on the needs of households. Square of Jasdam Iskandar Muda, Neusu to be proactive and show their commitment
Park is a green public utility area with to the people of Banda Aceh, and the public
sporting facilities such as a football ground, sanitation facilities fitted in well with their
The Process efforts to show concern for and build trust
lawn tennis courts, basketball court and a
In order to introduce alternatives to better with the local people.
small park. This park was selected as an
address these challenges, in 2006 the World
important place of recreation for tsunami
Toilet Organization (WTO) embarked on a 2-
year project, ‘Ecologically safe toilets for the
Tsunami affected communities in Meulaboh
and Banda Aceh, Indonesia’, with funding By providing community sanitation infrastructure, the project aims
R.S. ARUN KUMAR; E.M. HUBA MANG
48
with trace levels of hydrogen sulphide. Community awareness raising
The French drain filter, a simplified horizontal Stakeholder groups including various
gravel filter used for on-site sanitation, community representatives, local government
provides simple filtration and anaerobic officials and the BRR were identified from
treatment. At the end of the French drain each of the 13 project locations to carry out
filter, a vegetated garden was set up to allow sanitation awareness through discussions
the plants to take up effluent from the filter, and informal meetings. Some stakeholders
thereby removing nitrogen and phosphorus. also participated in the Sustainable
The final effluent is therefore suitable for Sanitation Course to gain technical training
irrigation, toilet flushing and other uses. in operation and maintenance in order to
ensure on-going system operation by the
Training in Ecological Sanitation community. The participants of stakeholder
As part of the project, a two week Sustainable
inquisitive and motivated to learn more. Over elaborate on the role good sanitation could
project would thus be viewed as an entry
time, people have begun to appreciate how potentially play. Videos were shown of
point for seeding new ideas about sanitation
leaking septic tanks (Cin Cins) are a serious locations around the world where sanitation
into the community whilst also providing
source of contamination since they can clearly had changed the way people live, which was
tangible benefits.
relate to what is happening around them. a great encouragement to the local people.
The Chief of Military and his wife using the biogas They also recognise that one ecological Gaining the trust and support of key This growing awareness of course does not
sanitation system could not change the community members has gone a long way translate into an immediate change, but will
environmental health of the entire community, in convincing others of the importance of hopefully lead to progressive change over time.
Although it has only been operating a short and that each family must take the necessary addressing sanitation problems. Community
time, feedback on the toilet facilities from steps to prevent groundwater contamination. representatives, including the Village Head
park users has been positive. They inform Since the project began, a few houses have and Jasdam officials, played a major role in
WTO that they can now spend more time at set up Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) septic helping the broader community accept
the park without worrying about where to tanks, plastic tanks which are water tight and ecological sanitation as a viable option. The
relieve themselves ‘when nature calls’. The therefore able to significantly reduce the military staff in particular were quite impressed
project location was used as one of the case contamination of groundwater. To a large with the biogas plant, and wondered initially
50
Lessons and way forward learned so far is that people accept new
ideas only after they have been convinced,
The pilot project at Neusa Park was a good
and this requires hands-on experience.
entry point for bringing alternative sanitation
Once a new approach or system is accepted,
options to the public’s attention. Having
people are quick to take it up and even
raised some awareness and interest, people
modify the system to suit their needs.
are curious to know what other ecological
Ecological sanitation, with its numerous
sanitation options exist and which would be
options, provides people with the opportunity
most suitable for them. This is important
to adapt new technologies to the difficult
since it is known that all sanitation systems
sanitation situations they face. WTO hopes to
are not applicable for all locations, and
continue to build awareness and interest in
various environmental and societal issues
new sanitation options in Aceh. It is currently
will determine the type of toilet and
exploring the possibility of setting up a
treatment system that is most appropriate.
permanent training and capacity building
Of course, a public toilet project can not centre for sanitation in Aceh, since the
hope to solve the pressing sanitation sanitation problems faced by Acehnese will
problems faced by most Acehnese. The require significantly more capacity at the
project has provided the opportunity for local local level.
people and the training course participants
to see and experience several different References
ecological sanitation options which can Badan Standarisasi Nasional (2000). Indonesia code SNI
prevent pollution of groundwater and land, 03-2398-2000: Planning Guideline for Designing Septic Tank
(Tata Cara Perencanaan Tangki Septik). P.U. Building Code
which are affordable and which do not pose and National Standard for Septic Tank.
any cultural threat.
GTZ and UNICEF (2007). Draft Sanitation Guidelines for Aceh,
As WTO continues project implementation Indonesia. GTZ and UNICEF, February 2007.
The toilet block and the biogas plant (above) during construction
51
TONGA, VANUATU, TUVALU AND KIRIBATI
KIR IBATI
9 Training in Eco-sanitation
for communities in Pacific Island Countries
T U VALU Dr Leonie Crennan, Institute for Uncertain Futures 1
TONGA The Overall Context Local Context, Process and Impact Scientific and Cultural Organisation
V A N UATU (UNESCO), which was conducted within the
In Pacific Island Countries approximately In each country, the context, conduct
grounds of the primary school. The ground-
90% of sanitation systems and 80% of water and outcomes of the practical training in
Sanitation Coverage: Kiribati water pollution study examined the impacts
PAC I F I C O C E AN supply systems are owned and maintained sustainable sanitation have varied. The
Total: Rural: Urban of septic tanks and pit latrines on the
by householders. Of the 10% of the construction of a demonstration Sanitation
JMP 2006
40% 22% 59% freshwater lens under the village.
population which have access to reticulated Park, practical skills training, and subsequent
Sanitation Coverage: Tuvalu sewerage systems, some of these communities workshops in rural villages of Fiji is described Students, teachers, and parents were
NE W Total: Rural: Urban have sewers but no treatment of effluent in Case Study 5 of this collection. Practical actively involved in the design, installation
JMP 2006
ZEALAN D
90% 84% 93% prior to discharge. The remaining 90% use training in Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and and monitoring of the groundwater study
Sanitation Coverage: Vanuatu
pit latrines, flush septic tanks, pour-flush Kiribati will be briefly summarised here. and the toilet trial, supported by personnel
Total: Rural: Urban latrines, over-water latrines, the bush or the from the Tonga Water Board, the Ministry of
JMP 2006
50% 42% 78% beach. There is evidence of pollution of TONGA: Composting Toilet Trial Health and the Ministry of Lands Survey and
groundwater, surface water and reefs from and Groundwater Pollution Study, Natural Resources. The toilets were built by
Sanitation Coverage: Tonga
these systems and practices. Diarrhoeal Ha’apai, 1997-1999 contractors with labour and financial
Total: Rural: Urban
disease and skin infections are common, and contribution from trial householders
JMP 2006
Householder uses compost from CT on the family flower garden. The CT has been used and well
maintained for almost a decade.
53
VANUATU: Eco-Sanitation Workshop, The VIBA project proposal (VIBA/DoE 2004) 6. Eliminate local pollution of groundwater Corps through the Provincial Council and
Port Vila, 2004 listed the following potential benefits, which supplies and coral reef systems; Department of Environment in Port Vila.
The organisation and aims of the Port Vila could flow from the workshop: 7. Introduction of dry toilet technology; The workshop consisted of theory sessions
Eco-sanitation workshop involved a combined 1. Solve a major drawback to eco-tourism 8. Improved health and hygiene through covering design, construction and cost of a
effort to address sanitation issues in the in VIBA through the elimination of tourist major reduction of insect borne pathogens; range of common on-site sanitation systems,
Tagabe River area in Vanuatu, and to introduce complaints about poor sanitation; 9. Demonstrate the viability of healthy and the construction of a CT in a squatter
ecologically sustainable sanitation to the 2. Ensure year round toilet availability even toilet development in areas where settlement on the Tagabe River. The crowded
wider community through The Vanuatu Island through severe drought; groundwater pollution is a potential settlement only had pit latrines and relied on
Bungalows Association (VIBA). VIBA represents problem, e.g. Maskelyne Islands of hand-dug wells into the shallow ground-
3. Free water resources for more essential
rural bungalow operators providing eco-tourists Vanuatu; and water. Many of the bungalow owners were
uses;
with lodging. The Tagabe River Management chiefs, but all participants were actively
4. Lower installation and maintenance 10. Demonstrate that the composting toilet
Committee (TRMC) represents a multi- involved in design and labour despite
costs when compared with flush toilet (CT) requires less land area than wet pit
stakeholder, inter-sector, multi-disciplinary, constant rain and difficult conditions.
systems; toilets thus increasing the area of arable
community-based initiative to restore and 5. Help make bungalow developments land available to villages.
protect the watershed. This watershed
Impact
viable in areas with small water The funding for the VIBA involvement in the
provides the only source of water to the After the workshop some of the bungalow
resources; workshop was provided by the New Zealand
capital Port Vila. owners applied to VIBA for assistance with
High Commission. This funding covered the materials to replace their flush toilets with
transportation costs for 25 members of VIBA CTs. Due to administrative problems the
from all around Vanuatu to attend the five- funds dried up, and this assistance was not
day workshop in the capital Port Vila in provided as intended.
August 9-13, 2004 and a subsequent Annual
General Meeting. The funding also aimed to Over the next year, trainings were conducted
provide some assistance with material and on three other islands through the Department
transport costs for VIBA members to install of Environment, and a block of four CTs was
ecological systems at their bungalows if the built at the regionally acclaimed Won
training inspired them to do so. Smolbag Theatre in Port Vila by contractors
who had attended one the trainings. The CT
A trainer was provided through the European design was adapted to local conditions and
Union (EU) funded Disaster Reduction materials in order to reduce costs and
program conducted by SOPAC, with co- improve appearance.
ordination of the training provided by Peace
54
TUVALU: Practical Hands-On Training The ‘hands-on’ training in sustainable Impact
through the Tuvalu International sanitation was attended by personnel The trainees expressed satisfaction in acquiring
Waters Programme, 2006 from government and non-government new technical skills and theoretical know-
Under the International Waters Programme, organisations, the private sector, ledge and intended to pass the information
conducted through the United Nations representatives from each community, on to their home island communities. Some
Development Programme (UNDP) and the and the team members of the International trainees volunteered to promote the water-
Pacific Regional Environment Programme Waters Programme. Government personnel less composting toilets to the wider Tuvalu
(SPREP), a pilot project was established to from Kiribati were also invited to attend. community and the representatives from
address ‘waste’ with the aim of reducing the The training included an examination of Kiribati decided to develop a proposal to have
contamination of groundwater and coastal the invisible threats (pathogens, nutrients) a similar training in Kiribati (see below).
water by human and animal waste. to public and environmental health from
inadequate management of human excreta The use and performance of the demonstration
Community-based activities included low- and compared the design, cost, and toilet has been monitored for the last 15
tech solutions to addressing environmental maintenance requirements of a range of months. The household has expressed
degradation while national level activities common sewage treatment technologies. satisfaction, and there have been numerous
had a more strategic institutional focus. requests from neighbours and other
A National Water and Sanitation Committee The construction of a waterless composting communities for financial assistance to build
was established involving heads of toilet was led by the Water and Sanitation the system. Tuvalu is a participant in the
government departments and NGOs. Officer from the Public Works Department regional ‘Sustainable Integrated Water
and all the trainees assisted with the required Resources and Wastewater Management
A Communications and Sanitation Training masonry, plumbing, and carpentry. Breakfast Project’2, a five year project with implementation
Programme was designed to investigate the and lunch was provided by rotating starting in 2008. Tuvalu is the only
current understanding of poor sanitation in community groups which ensured attendance participating county which has chosen to
Tuvalu, raise awareness of its cost to public and widely advertised the training. Certificates focus specifically on improving sanitation. It
and environmental health, (using Baseline ratified by an Australian university were has planned to install and monitor sustainable
Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis) and awarded to those who completed the course, sanitation systems in at least 100 volunteer
promote possible solutions through adding to the prestige of participation in the households across the country supported by
community surveys and debate, radio,
L. CRENNAN
event (SPREP 2006). regulatory and institutional strategies, and
drama, and song and dance competitions. Trainees pouring aggregate into evapotranspiration trench, Vanuatu
practical training and education.
At the culmination of the communication
activities, a practical training on appropriate
sanitation systems was conducted on the
capital Funafuti and an on-site system was
The use and performance of the demonstration toilet has been monitored for the last 15 months.
constructed as a demonstration within the
pilot community. The household has expressed satisfaction, and there have been numerous requests from neighbours
and other communities for financial assistance to build the system.
2 The project is being conducted through SOPAC ,UNDP and UNEP and is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and
the EU. Preparations and country consultations have been underway since late 2006.
55
KIRIBATI: Tarawa Training, 2007 The trainees put considerable effort into
This low budget training was organised by making the toilet building aesthetically
the Pollution Control Officer from the Ministry pleasing. This increased material cost but
of Environment, Lands and Agricultural is well worth it in terms of raising the status
Development (who had attended the Tuvalu of sanitation in general, and ecological
training, see above) in co-operation with the sanitation in particular.
Ministry of Health, and funded by Taiwan
Republic of China through SOPAC.
Impact
The trainees were very keen to build CTs at
The training included 3 days of theory churches, schools, government housing and
sessions and 7 field days for construction homes. The positive response was surprising
with participants from government, NGOs, as there had been previous small and large
church groups and community groups, and scale projects in the 1990s promoting CTs in
tradesmen. The theory sessions examined Kiribati which had resulted in rejection of the
and compared wet and dry on-site sanitation technology.
and centralised technologies and the field
work covered the design, construction and CTs had been explored on Kiritimati, in
maintenance of a composting toilet at particular because of the high groundwater
Bonriki Water Reserve. The training aimed to table and long periods of drought, and 150
address the pollution, public health and systems had been installed as part of a multi-
water conservation issues associated with million dollar water supply and sanitation
poor sanitation in Kiribati. project. The reasons and circumstances
resulting in this negative attitude were
L. CRENNAN
The field activities of the training were complex, but nonetheless a resistance to the
Trainees at official opening of their CT, Bonriki, Kiribati
located in basic circumstances at Bonriki technology was well entrenched on Kiritimati,
Water Reserve to demonstrate possible and had spread to some quarters on Tarawa.
solutions to pollution of the public water
supply. Illegal settlement on and near the A number of Government personnel and
reserve is threatening the groundwater householders from the training who had
through inappropriate sanitation and waste participated in the earlier projects, said that
In Vanuatu, Tuvalu and management practices. for the first time they understood the threats
from poor sanitation and the method of
Kiribati adaptations were To promote the sanitation training and link treatment and protection that the CT offered.
suggested by participants sanitation issues with other pollution control However in January 2008 these trainees were
issues, the Environment and Conservation
once they understood the still looking for funding assistance to build
Division organised a competition in Bonriki their CTs. Meanwhile on Kiritimati, a $US10
treatment principles. village to separate and manage solid waste. million water and sanitation project funded
Twenty-five families participated in the by the Asian Development Bank plans on
competition over several months, and the replacing the CTs and previously constructed
winner was awarded the composting toilet septic tanks with ‘improved’ septic systems.
that was built by the participants in the
L. CRENNAN
56
Challenges and It is advisable to have in place mechanisms Pacific through practical trainings. There Crennan, L. (2001). Integration of social and technical
science in groundwater in groundwater monitoring and
Recommendations to assist households with the purchase and remains the challenge of understanding the management – Groundwater pollution study on Lifuka,
procurement of materials for the construction complexity of each specific context in greater Ha’apai, Tonga. Recharge study on Bonriki, South Tarawa,
Community training in sustainable sanitation
of toilet systems, which can be easily and depth in order to learn what elements of such Kiribati. International Hydrological Programme. IHP Humid
in Pacific Island Countries is a new and Tropics Programme. Technical Documents in Hydrology.
reliably accessed by trainees and their an approach can be replicated, and how.
evolving field and each event provides No. 43. UNESCO.
families, according to their needs. Links can In this respect, these and future activities
different challenges and insights, some Berry, G, Crennan, L. (2003). A Synopsis of Information
be made to other related programs if sufficient would certainly warrant a more thorough
specific to that location and some that can Relating to Waste Management, Pollution Prevention and
funding and/or support is not available out comparative analysis so that experience Improved Sanitation with a Focus on Communities in the
be applied to other cultures and countries.
of the original training/promotion budget. gained is built upon and not lost. Pacific Island Region. SPREP/UNDP/GEF Apia Samoa.
Sanitation is not a fun topic. There is a need If some ongoing contact and assistance is SPREP (2006). Practical Training in Sustainable Sanitation
for adequate preparation for these trainings not provided then much of the success and References for Tuvalu author, L Crennan. International Waters program.
Apia Samoa.
to set them in a context that makes the momentum of the training can be quickly lost. Development Bulletin (2003). Improving Community
course attractive and prestigious to participants. participation in water and sanitation projects in Pacific VIBA/DoE (2004). Proposal for sanitation training.
Technical innovation should be encouraged Island Countries, Crennan L. In Thomas, P. (Ed.), Submitted to New Zealand High Commission by Vanuatu
Presentation of information should address Water Governance and the Political Economy. Island Bungalows Association and Department of
to facilitate technology transfer. While a
local priorities, beliefs and taboos. This Canberra: Development Studies Network, ANU. Environment. Port Vila, Vanuatu.
version of the waterless composting toilet
requires research, imagination, flexibility, Crennan, L. (1999). Composting Toilet Trial. Final Report,
has been used as a practical educational tool
and a creative relationship between trainers Tonga Water Board Institutional Development Project,
in each of the trainings, it is not a fixed design. Canberra: AusAID.
and local co-ordinators. As the practical
In Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Kiribati adaptations
component of the training is often conducted
were suggested by participants once they
in remote and demanding physical
understood the treatment principles. The
circumstances, provision of good food, and
same creative approach should be applied to
shelter for breaks, is a conducive pre-
waterborne technology such as septic systems.
requisite.
In the broader context of planning for the
It is strongly recommended to provide some
trainings, conflicting and contradictory
kind of follow-up after the training, and this
messages and programs should be avoided,
should be built into the design of the training
and if they exist then open debate and
at the local level. This is particularly
discussion should be encouraged and the
important if the trainees have expressed a
promoters/funding bodies invited to present
desire to improve or change their sanitation
their different opinions and approaches
conditions. Ideally contact should be made
during the training. This would further help
within 6 months of the training to ascertain
to foster an atmosphere in which participants
whether the trainees have taken steps to
and end-users are enabled to make informed
apply what they have learnt, and if not, then
choices about the technologies most suitable
to evaluate what the obstacles might be. The
for them.
nature and frequency of contact with trainees
and monitoring of activities will depend on The five trainings and follow-up activities
whether the training was hosted by briefly discussed in this case study have
government, NGOs or the private sector, and been presented to demonstrate the breadth
other logistical and administrative factors. of activity underway to promote and encourage
L. CRENNAN
more sustainable on-site sanitation in the
Trainees pouring slab for toilet room floor in Bonriki, Kiribati
57
About the organisations and authors
Shifting the focus for sanitation in the Second Water and Putting community development principles into practice: A case
Sanitation for Low Income Communities Project study of a rural water, sanitation and hygiene project in Vanuatu
The second Water and Sanitation Program for Low Income Communities (WSLIC 2) Project World Vision Vanuatu (WVV) is a part of World Vision International’s Pacific Development
(2001-2008) is a community driven project covering 2500 villages in 37 districts in Indonesia Group (PDG). World Vision Australia (WVA) provides financial and technical assistance to WVV
funded by the World Bank, AusAID, the Government of Indonesia and local communities and and is Australia’s largest aid and humanitarian organisation. Both are part of the World Vision
managed by the Indonesian Department of Health. International Partnership aiming to engage people to eliminate poverty and its causes.
Nina Shatifan is the Capacity Building/Participatory Development Adviser with the Water and John Donnelly is the WVA Country Program Coordinator (CPC) for Vanuatu, Solomon Islands
Sanitation Program for Low Income Communities 2 (WSLIC 2) in Indonesia. She is coordinating and the Philippines. John has spent many years working in Melanesia, the last six with WV
the Indonesian component of a 3-country CLTS study by the Institute of Development Studies and has a background in Agriculture. John has recently completed his PhD in the area of
(UK). Her 10 years development experience in East Asia and the Pacific includes WSS, health, gender and development within Melanesia.
education and local governance programs, working with World Bank, AusAID, Water and
Gabrielle Halcrow (MPH, Bach App.Sci) is the Regional Program Coordinator for WVA’s
Sanitation Program, UNDP, UNESCO and ILO.
Indigenous Australia Program. With her background in Environmental Health Promotion she
has utilised PHAST in her experience working with island communities in South Asia and the
CASE STUDY 2 Pacific on public health, water and sanitation and community development programs.
in northern Vietnam To their credit: How three Mekong Delta towns have used revolving
Plan is an international humanitarian, child-centered development organisation without funds to increase coverage of septic tanks
religious, political or governmental affiliation. Child sponsorship is the basic foundation of The AusAID Three Delta Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project, is a 7-year AU$69.5
the organisation. million project to improve water supply and sanitation systems in Bac Lieu, Ha Tien and Sa
This case study was conceived by John Collett, Water and Environmental Sanitation Advisor for Dec towns in the Mekong Delta. The Project is also strengthening the capabilities of the
Plan in Vietnam. John recognised that Plan’s Nam Ha “Program Unit” (NHPU) had constructed provincial and town agencies to plan, implement and operate these services.
over 8,000 DVC latrines and this offered an excellent opportunity to investigate the use, The case study authors are long term Project staff employed by the Australian Managing
maintenance and perceptions in two provinces located in northern Vietnam. The study was Contractor GHD Pty Ltd: Le Thi Hao is the Community Development Project Officer, Penny
conducted by Ben Cole and Dr. Pham Duc Phuc. Ben is an environmental health consultant Dutton is the Community Development and Gender Adviser, and Geoff Bridger is Australian
based in Hanoi. Phuc is currently completing a PhD in urban wastewater at Basel University, Team Leader.
Switzerland.
58
CASE STUDY 5 CASE STUDY 6
The Sanitation Park Project: A regional initiative to increase A journey from subsidy to Community Led Total Sanitation:
participatory approaches in the Sanitation Sector The experience of WaterAid Australia and Plan in Timor Leste
The Fiji Ministry of Health (MoH) is the national agency responsible for design, implementation WaterAid Australia is an international charity dedicated to helping some of the world’s
and monitoring of rural water supply and sanitation projects and programmes in Fiji. The poorest people escape the stranglehold of poverty and disease caused by living without safe
World Health Organisation (WHO) is the UN agency responsible for environmental and human water and sanitation. WaterAid Australia began working in Timor Leste in 2005. The primary
health, and poverty alleviation through improved water supplies, sanitation and hygiene. focus is supporting community water supply, sanitation and hygiene education through local
The Fiji School of Medicine (FSMed) is the regional organisation responsible for the training NGOs. WaterAid Australia works in cooperation with Plan Timor Leste in Aileu and Lautem
of Environmental Health Officers for the health ministries of Pacific islands governments. Districts and is also working in Liquica District directly with local partners.
SOPAC the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission is an inter-governmental, regional
Dinesh Bajracharya is a Country Representative of WAAus and has been working in Timor
organisation dedicated to providing products and services in the three technical program
Leste with WAAus since 2006. He has a Master degree in Environment and Water Resources
areas of Community Lifelines; Community Risk; and Ocean and Islands.
Management from UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands. He has worked extensively in low cost
Rhonda Bower holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University water supply and sanitation technologies in Nepal and Bangladesh for over 15 years.
of the South Pacific (USP) and postgraduate qualifications in Diplomacy and Environmental
Management and Development at the Australian National University. Rhonda worked for
CASE STUDY 7
SOPAC from 1998-2004 as the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Officer and is currently
SOPAC Project Adviser for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). A Toilet Paper: Reflections on ATprojects school sanitation in PNG
CASE STUDY 4
Kamal Khatri holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a postgraduate diploma ATprojects is a non-governmental association based in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province,
in Environmental Studies from USP. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Geography. Papua New Guinea.
He has worked with the Regional Animal Health Services, Agriculture Programme at the
The aim of ATprojects is to enable rural people to use appropriate technologies which give them
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) as a Research Assistant. At SOPAC, he is responsible
more control over their lives and which contribute to the sustainable development of their
for overall coordination and implementation of projects within the WASH program under the
communities. ATprojects provides a number of project development services and is one of
Community Lifelines Program.
the few organisations in PNG offering practical technical support at a district level. ATprojects
See Case Study 9 (page 60) for information about Dr. Leonie Crennan. sees its role as a supporting organisation working with projects generated at district level
by local level governments, church groups and rural communities.
Sustainable Sanitation: A new paradigm in Aceh, Indonesia Training in Eco-sanitation for communities in Pacific Island Countries
World Toilet Organization is a non-profit organisation established in Singapore in 2001. This case study provided an overview of a range of sanitation training activities across the
WTO communicates the need for better toilet standards in both the developed and Pacific. In Tonga, participating organisations included the Tonga Water Board, the Ministry of
developing economies of the world, provides a service platform for all toilet associations, Health and the Ministry of Lands Survey and Natural Resources, with funding support by AusAID
related organisations and committed individuals to facilitate an exchange of ideas, health and linkages to a UNESCO-funded ground water pollution study. In Vanuatu, the Vanuatu
and cultural issues; and is involved in development and humanitarian sanitation projects Island Bungalows Association (VIBA) and the Tagabe River Management Committee (TRMC)
in developing countries. WTO’s work in Indonesia is supported by the Singapore Red Cross organised the trainings, with funding assistance from the New Zealand High Commission, and
Society Tidal Waves Asia Fund (TWAF), a designated fund providing humanitarian relief and the EU-funded Disaster Reduction program conducted by SOPAC. In Tuvalu, the trainings took
rehabilitation to the victims of the 2004 tsunami disaster. place within the International Waters Programme conducted through the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
RS Arun Kumar is the Executive Director in World Toilet Organization. Before joining WTO in
In Kiribati, the training was organised by the Pollution Control Officer from the Ministry of
2006, he worked as Team Leader, Enviro Group in Technology Informatics Design Endeavour
Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development in co-operation with the Ministry of Health,
(TIDE), an NGO based in Bangalore, India for 4 years and was involved in renewable energy
with funding support from Taiwan Republic of China through SOPAC.
and water management projects for rural development. An Environmental Engineer from
India, he obtained his Masters in Environmental Management from National University of Dr Leonie Crennan is an Australian resource strategist with a background in Law and
Singapore, and is presently pursuing his Masters in Environmental Economics. Environmental Science. She has expertise in community participation and training, land
tenure, media and awareness, gender equity facilitiation, policy development, and process
monitoring and evaluation. She also designs and implements ecological water and sanitation
systems in areas of high conservation and limited resources. Dr Crennan has worked in the
Asia-Pacific and Central American regions with a range of organisations including AusAid,
SOPAC, SPREP, Sida, UNESCO and the Asian Development Bank.
60
International WaterCentre WaterAid – water for life
PO Box 15056, City East Brisbane, Private Bag 1 Mitcham,
Queensland, Australia 4002 Victoria, Australia 3132
This book is a collection of case studies on sanitation
and hygiene initiatives in South East Asia and the Pacific.
It aims to contribute to a growing community of practice.