Following a successful pilot last year, the CLP has decided to expand the low cost latrines project across the programme’s working areas.

 

The design of the CLP’s low-cost latrines is well suited to the chars environment, and the socio-economic situation of char dwellers. The latrines comprise a concrete slab with plastic pan with a water seal, and a 5 foot pit supported by a cage made from bamboo or other suitable materials available locally. These are installed on raised ground above the flood level. Households can move the slab to a new site if the latrine becomes full or is affected by erosion, and the remaining components are affordable to households on the chars.

 

Formerly, sanitary latrines comprising 5 concrete rings, concrete slabs with plastic pans and water seal, and a corrugated iron superstructure were installed on the raised plinths of the CLP’s core participants (CPHHs). While effective, their higher cost meant coverage could only be extended to CPHHs, and were too expensive for most households to replace if lost to erosion. This change of approach will allow the programme to provide sanitation facilities to all households (both core and non-core) in the CLP’s working villages.

 

Grant agreements have been signed with 13 Implementing Organisations for the installation of 9,215 low cost latrines between January and June of this year. It has been estimated that if the CLP provides subsidised latrines to 140,000 households, almost the entire population of the CLP’s working villages will gain access to improved sanitation facilities.     

 

The low cost latrine project will be expanded gradually. In the current financial year (July 2011 to June 2012) 14,000 latrines will be installed, and during the next financial year it will be possible to increase the output up to 40 - 50,000 latrines per year.

 

Open defecation is a very common practice in the chars and represents a serious health hazard. The provision of latrines is one way in which the CLP seeks to eliminate this practice. The CLP’s infrastructure work is accompanied by education on sanitation practices to participants in the char villages.