Rising steel and cement prices have affected cost estimates of many of the Indian central government's development projects, including its total sanitation campaign (TSC).

The TSC was launched in 1999 and has made a significant contribution to improved sanitation for the rural poor. The percentage of rural households with access to toilets has increased from 21.9% to 55.6% in July 2008. The central government aims to achieve total sanitation by 2012.

The high costs of basic construction materials have, however, forced the government to revise its cost estimates for constructing toilets from Rs 1,500 (EUR 23 = US$ 34) to Rs. 2,500 (EUR 29 = US$ 57) per unit. The state governments' share has gone up from Rs 300 (EUR 4.60 = US$ 6.80) to Rs 700 (EUR 10.90 = .US$ 15.90)

The central government has increased its budget for the TSC, which is being implemented in 587 districts, and has devised a strategy for the construction of 'twin-pit water seal' model toilets, which are cheaper to install and maintain and are more sustainable.

In the meantime, Kerala, West Bengal, Sikkim and Haryana have requested the central government to give them the status of states with 100% sanitation coverage.

Related news: India: aiming to end open-air defecation by 2012, Source, 19 Nov 2007

Web site: Department of Drinking Water Supply - Total Sanitation Campaign

Source: Sandip Das, Indian Express, 26 Aug 2008

Tags: financing, on-site sanitation, rural wash, south asia