This article provides a defence of the double-pit VIP latrine as the only type of dry-pit latrine that can provide a permanent, safe, sanitation solution.
| Title | Making VIP latrines succeed |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1995 |
| Authors | Middleton, RN |
| Pagination | p. 27-29: 1 fig., 3 photogr. |
| Date Published | 1995-01-01 |
| Keywords | behaviour, cost benefit analysis, design criteria, diptera, manual removal, odour, planning, source protection, sullage, use of facilities, ventilated improved pit latrines |
| Abstract | This article provides a defence of the double-pit VIP latrine as the only type of dry-pit latrine that can provide a permanent, safe, sanitation solution. The author presents an inventory of all the problems associated with the VIP latrine and offers an effective solution for each one. The problems include people bathing in latrines, behaviour to do with "latrine culture", space constraints, latrine emptying, ground water and surface-water protection, sullage management and surface-water protection, odour and fly control, and progressive loss of ventilation as population density increases. Strait forward solutions are offered in each case and the point is made that most of these problems are magnified when sewage or septic-tank systems are used. The article also focuses on the cost effectiveness of VIP latrines since there are no off site construction costs, and operation and management costs are negligible. It concludes by stressing that to ensure the success of VIP latrines it is necessary to pay attention to the community's preferences, to build demonstration models, and to change design rather than people. |
| Notes | 8 ref. |
| Custom 1 | 321.4 |
