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Sanitation Solutions
Safe sanitation is essential for us all and there is a huge amount still to be done in Zambia. In urban compounds up to 50% of families do not have adequate facilities. In rural areas the situation is equally poor. So it is not surprising that diarrhoea and similar infections remain a major problem for young children.
Build IT International has trialled two solutions and is looking at new ideas for school sanitation.
Ecosan
New Cool House with Ecosan unit at St Agness, Zambia
A new product that is suitable for high density urban housing. The unit is integrated into the house or ‘choo’. Urine is diverted to a soak away where bananas can be planted, solids accumulate in the plastic chamber. Because the chamber is exposed to sunlight, solids break down and dry out quickly. The collecting chamber should last a family of six for up to ten years and cane then be safely emptied. Cost c. US$450 installed.
Ventilation Improved Pit Latrine – Build IT version
A variation on the standard VIP latrine has been trialled at Fiwila in 2008 using the curved stabilised soil block to line the soak away and construct the super-structure. Cost US$400 Interesting!
And finally…
We have come across this ‘female urinal’ at a new school in Malawi. Apparently it works very well as girls are able to chatter whilst ‘performing’! Cost – priceless!
Links:
http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/sanitation-photos-from-gtzecosan/