Understanding the Barriers and Opportunities for Effective Management of Shared Sanitation in Low-Income Settlements—The Case of Kumasi, Ghana
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Date
2020-06-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health
Abstract
: Improved sanitation for all is a daunting task for low-income countries, and shared toilets
often provide an alternative to private household sanitation for most urban residents. This study
sought to provide better understanding of the existing barriers and opportunities for improved
management of shared sanitation. The study used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews
with 70 users (landlords and tenants) of shared sanitation in Kumasi, Ghana to assess barriers and
opportunities of “high-quality” shared sanitation. The commonly used toilet facilities were dry
toilets—Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit latrine and Ventilated Improved Pit latrines; and flush
systems—water closet and pour flush connected to septic tanks. Between 2 and 21 households, or 4
and 84 people, shared one facility. Participants’ description of “high-quality” (Ideal) shared sanitation
was centred on cleanliness, user behaviour, smell, and user crowding. They also identified challenges
of shared sanitation as overcrowded users, poor user behaviours, conflicts among users, and high
cost associated with frequent desludging. However, opportunities for improvement included users’
preference for shared toilets due to enjoyed benefits, existing facility management practices, and
mutual understanding among users (tenants and landlords). Interventions and policy guidelines to
influence behaviour change of shared sanitation users are proposed and are intended to be delivered
by local government and users.
Description
Keywords
barriers, behaviour change, compound, O&M, shared toilet, Ghana, University of Energy & Natural Resources, ACE: Energy and Environmental Sustainability