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Paper written for the Asia regional sanitation and hygiene practitioners workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 31 January -2 February 2012

Title6B Approach for toilet promotion
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsShrestha, R
Pagination5 p.; 6 photographs
Date Published2012-01-31
PublisherIRC
Place PublishedDhaka, Bangladesh
Keywordsaccess to sanitation, construction materials, financing, nepal, poverty, sanitation
Abstract

Toilet construction is beyond the reach of poor people because it is expensive. This is general perception of people and most promoters when it comes to sanitation promotion among the poor. Consequently many people favor some subsidies for poor people. Superficially the argument is not wrong, considering that the cost of a simple pour flush toilet is about $300 in context of Nepal. But there are toilets which cost less than $100 and these are safe enough. The main difference in cost of these toilets is due to the cost of superstructure, which varies from cemented brick/block to bush/bamboo structures. The sub-structure (up to the pan level) remains the same, thus ensuring the toilets hygienically separate excreta from human contact and meet the criteria for improved sanitation as defined by the Joint Monitoring Programme. Thus the escalation in costs-- discouraging poor people from having a toilet—comes from the superstructure. In this context, the 6B approach has been initiated to ensure that improved sanitation is affordable to all. This approach encourages people to have a toilet as per their financial status and enhances capacity to utilize locally available materials. Six B promotes toilet superstructures made of Bag, Bush, Bamboo, Brick, Block or Boulder. This approach makes toilet promotion easier and empowers people to make informed choices regarding their toilet facilities. The promotion of these low-cost toilets also has challenges as the toilets aren’t as robust and will require frequent maintenance. But as the houses of the poor are also generally made of these materials it is easy to convince poor people to start with these toilets and upgrade the superstructure later as and when necessary. In conclusion, 6B approach provides socially acceptable, economically viable and technically appropriate options for toilet construction to people without compromising health impact. [authors abstract ]

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With 2 references

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302.8

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