Advantages and limitations for users of double pit pour-flush latrines: a qualitative study in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

BackgroundIn rural Bangladesh, India and elsewhere, pour-flush pit latrines are the most common sanitation system. When a single pit latrine becomes full, users must empty it themselves and risk exposure to fresh feces, pay an emptying service to remove pit contents or build a new latrine. Double pit pour-flush latrines may serve as a long-term sanitation option including high water table areas because the pits do not need to be emptied immediately and the excreta decomposes into reusable soil.MethodsDouble pit pour-flush latrines were implemented in rural Bangladesh for ‘hardcore poor’ households by a national NGO, BRAC. We conducted interviews, focus groups, and spot checks in two low-income, rural areas of Bangladesh to explore the advantages and limitations of using double pit latrines compared to single pit latrines.ResultsThe rural households accepted the double pit pour-flush latrine model and considered it feasible to use and maintain. This latrine design increased accessibility of a sanitation facility for these low-income residents and provided privacy, convenience and comfort, compared to open defecation. Although a double pit latrine is more costly and requires more space than a single pit latrine the households perceived this sanitation system to save resources, because households did not need to hire service workers to empty pits or remove decomposed contents themselves. In addition, the excreta decomposition process produced a reusable soil product that some households used in homestead gardening. The durability of the latrine superstructures was a problem, as most of the bamboo-pole superstructure broke after 6–18 months of use.ConclusionsDouble pit pour-flush latrines are a long-term improved sanitation option that offers users several important advantages over single pit pour-flush latrines like in rural Bangladesh which can also be used in areas with high water table. Further research can provide an understanding of the comparative health impacts and effectiveness of the model in preventing human excreta from entering the environment.

Effects of Water, Sanitation, Handwashing, and Nutritional Interventions on Child Enteric Protozoan Infections in Rural Bangladesh: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The sanitation intervention consisting of compound-level hygienic double-pit latrines and household-level sani-scoop hoes and child potties along with behavior promotion reduced Giardia prevalence and infection intensity [ 25–27 ]. These sanitation interventions likely disrupted key fecal–oral transmission pathways via safe containment and disposal of feces in the compound and household living environments, thereby reducing exposure of children to Giardia [ 5 ].…”

Effects of water quality, sanitation, handwashing, and nutritional interventions on diarrhoea and child growth in rural Bangladesh: a cluster randomised controlled trial

“…The standard project intervention latrine was a double pit latrine with a water seal. 13 Each pit had five concrete rings that were 0·3 m high. When the initial pit filled, the superstructure and slab could be moved to the second pit.…”

WASH Benefits Bangladesh trial: management structure for achieving high coverage in an efficacy trial

“…Details of the study design are described elsewhere [ 6 ]. In summary, the interventions included free provision of enabling technologies as follows: an insulated drinking-water storage container [ 11 ] (Lion Star Plastics, Sri Lanka) for treated stored water; a sani-scoop (a locally developed tool made specifically for the trial, based on previous research [ 12 ] was used to remove feces from the household environment; a child’s potty [ 13 ] (RFL, Bangladesh) to minimize child open defecation in the household environment; double-pit pour-flush improved latrines [ 14 ] for hygienic feces containment; handwashing stations and soapy water storage bottles [ 15 ] (RFL Bangladesh). The following supplies were provided for the intervention: Aquatabs™ (Medentech, Wexford, Ireland) for water treatment, laundry detergent sachets for soapy water preparation and Lipid-based Nutrient Supplement (LNS; Nutriset, France).…”