Abstract

Phase I made a survey of existing toilet designs for sanitation on squatter settlements in Botswana, selected appropriate alternatives, and constructed and field-tested 30 units of the three most promising designs in Gaborone, Francistown, and Lobatse. The toilets have proven technically satisfactory but with limitations as to their acceptability in the community. Phase II will study the reasons for nonacceptance and acceptance of the toilets, identify the necessary technical changes to improve the toilets, assess their effectiveness in improving the community environment, and recommend inputs into an education program that can be implemented with future toilet installation programs.

Post-Project Summary

In this phase, researchers monitored the performance of 142 toilets in Gaberone, Francistown, Lobatse, and Selebi-Phikwe. The toilet types were: Botswana Type B Aqua Privy, Reed's Odourless Earth Closet, Double Vault Composting Toilet, and Ventilated Improved Pit Latrine. With the assistance of an IDRC consultant, researchers devised questionnaires and data sheets. The study methodology also involved observations and interviews with latrine owners. Researchers found that the Ventilated Improved Pit Latrine was the most acceptable toilet and the others had maintenance problems. In general, however, toilets fell into disuse due to a lack of sufficient water to flush, strong odour, and insect and fly problems. Also, toilets were not kept clean. The consultant recommended that Health Assistants be hired to monitor latrines and educate privy owners and users to clean and maintain the units. A sanitation workshop was held in August, 1980.

Recipient Institution(s)