Researchers have published a sanitation selection algorithm [1], which considers all the available sanitation arrangements and is based on the principles of sustainable sanitation. It is especially designed for the poor and very poor rural and peri-urban areas in developing countries. The fundamental principles for sustainable sanitation are: human health, affordability, environmental sustainability and institutional appropriateness. Sanitation arrangements should not only comply with these principles but also take into account technical feasibility in the physical environment, socio-cultural preferences and socio-economic conditions (such as willingness and ability to pay).

The low-cost sanitation arrangements chosen for the algorithm are:

• On-site systems: Ecosan toilet, biogas generator, ArboLoo, Sanplat latrine, ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine, pour-flush (PF) toilet and septic tank system
• Off-site systems: Ecosan system, settled sewerage, and simplified sewerage

An important function of the algorithm is to invite discussion between all stakeholders on “true” basic costs of the systems, which depend on local capital and operation and maintenance costs, and on an assessment of institutional arrangements. Determining affordability remains difficult due to the lack of good data on comparative costs and an agreed costing methodology, the researchers conclude.

[1] Mara, D. … [et al.] (2007). Selection of sustainable sanitation arrangements. Water policy ; vol. 9, no. 3 ; p. 305-318. DOI: 10.2166/wp.2007.009. PDF file

Related toolkit: Asian Development Bank. Smarter Sanitation (CD-ROM includes SANEX™, software programme for assessing and planning sanitation systems in developing countries)

Contact: Professor DD Mara, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, D.D.Mara@leeds.ac.uk, http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~cen6ddm/

Tags: monitoring & evaluation, on-site sanitation