Abstract

In Uganda, sanitation coverage is estimated at 53% and 39% for urban and rural areas respectively. The nationalcoverage is 41%. Lack of proper sanitation potentially leads to environmental health problems, which in manycases cost lives and impact on health of a community and family income as more money is spent on medication.This leads to a vicious circle of poverty. The objective of this study was to collect information on the currentpractices in selection of sanitation arrangements and use it to develop a simple algorithm for use by decisionmakers and district staff to advise households on selection of appropriate sanitation systems. Currently, there isno streamlined criterion used. People select systems based on what they are used to. Consequently, traditionalpit latrines are the commonest sanitation system used. These toilet systems however, are disadvantageous dueto: difficult soils (rocky, collapsing formations and areas with high water table); when full, require that new pitsare dug, which is expensive and in the dense settlements this is inhibited by lack of space for new pits. As astarting point, we have proposed a simple algorithm that can be used by decentralized districts to give guidance to households in the selection of sanitation systems. The principle of the sanitation ladder, where people choosefrom the whole range of options, and select systems based on site conditions, affordability as well as useracceptance and perceptions applies. At the next phase, we intend to carry out detailed consultations to gets pecific information on user preferences, develop costs for all categories and package the information in an easyto use document for awareness creation, advocacy and promotion of sanitation

Attachments

Attachment Name Attachment Type
Charles Niwagaba – Sustainable Development of Water Resources DOC PDF PS