Assessing the suitability of an ECOSAN toilet as an alternative to conventional pit latrine for faecal sludge disposal in Sironko town council.

Abstract

Solid waste management is one of the greatest challenges facing urban authorities today in developing countries around the globe. Uganda is facing rapid urbanisation of 5.1% per annum leading to the overcrowding and the development of slums, thus exacerbating the condition of proper sanitation coverage. Despite greater sanitation coverage in Sironko District with 96% of households possessing at least a pit latrine, access to sanitation facilities does not solve the problem of improved sanitation. This is because conventional latrines normally lead to various other pressing environmental problems, along with the injustice of scarce water resources for flushing latrines to keep excreta out of sight, which means that other community-accepted sustainable solutions are needed. Therefore, considering the present context and sanitation situation of the country, there is a need for a holistic approach to call for hygienic, sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives and hence, ecological sanitation toilets. This study argues that Uganda's historical acceptance of ecological sanitation and its recent experience in using the approach (Ecosan) in some parts of the country could be very valuable in the replacement of other approaches especially where the Ecosan toilet is the best option. It could confront these problems and provide potential "added value" to the livelihood link through agricultural production and water and environment conservation. This paper highlights the advantages of the Ecosan toilets over conventional pit latrines, cost-benefit analysis, and challenges faced by traditional pit latrine users.