Abstract |
The concept of Ecosan first striked in the minds of policy makers of Nepal after one of the authors of this paper participated inthe first International Conference on ECOSAN in 2000 in Germany. Eventually, DWSS piloted Ecosan programme in Siddhipur nearby Kathmandu in 2003. The Ecosan technology appropriate to the local community was developed, tested and modified. The community overwhelmingly accepted the Ecosan technology and application for mainly vegetables.Simultaneously ENPHO and Lumanti also implemented the Ecosan programme in Khokana and Thimi within the Kthamanduvalley. The technology was further modified and tested. Acceptance of Ecosan latrine was very promising in Kathmandu valley during the piloting phase, however, it was a bigchallenge to promote even conventional types of latrines in Terai as the practice of open defection is most common and lovedby the people in this region. People in this region use enormous amount of chemical fertilizers for agriculture production,thereby requiring high level of fertilizer-investment input for agriculture. People, however, lack knowledge on importance ofhuman wastes as manure and its economic value. They are \"faeco-Phobia\" and hence think human waste as a \"hatred thing\". The ground water table is specifically very high during rainy season in the Terai region. The flood occurs rampantly and waterlevel raises above the ground level which causes difficulties to maintain human faeces dry as needed for the dry Ecosan.Despite the challenges, DWSS strived to pilot Ecosan programme appropriate to the Terai geography, culture, norms andpractices. Sabaithuwa village of Parsa district in the central development region was selected for the piloting programme. Thepan was designed with water seal and connected with twin concrete pits under the ground, yet separation of urine and faeces isthere. The single pan can serve the toilet purpose, bottom cleansing can be done in the same pan, flushing can be done after thedefecation, cleaning of plan with water is possible. All these modification has enabled to lessen foul smell, to maintain neat and cleanliness. The use of the latrine is more like the conventional ones and hence is more users friendly. The application of urineas manure has been replacing the use of chemical fertilizers. This is a between conventional latrine and dry toilet- a wayforward to ensure high acceptability of sanitation among the Terai people, whereas, the policy makers, donors andimplementers will have to establish very effective and efficient market strategies and support mechanism |