Abstract
In the past sanitation was the responsibility of Local Authorities or councils with the Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control (DWMPC). Pollution of groundwater in Botswana is currently forcing the Government of Botswana (GoB) to abandon pit latrine construction and Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) emptying services in peri-urban areas. Currently Government has embarked on the expensive and unsustainable construction of sewer systems that require peri-urban communities to pay for connection fees. Most rural communities cannot afford these fees and since Botswana is a water scarce country, sewer connection may be costly for the country. This paper aims to review current practices, policies and challenges facing Botswana in Faecal Sludge Management (FSM). A desktop review was carried out to review policies, regulations, guidelines and strategies on waste management. A pretested questionnaire was administered among 50 randomly selected households to assess current practices in sludge management from two suburbs in Gaborone. Key informant interviews were undertaken among water and sanitation stakeholders to establish roles on waste management and faecal sludge management. Despite the disjointed efforts by stakeholders, Botswana has the potential to improve the FSM in the country. Though unsafe, FSM/pit emptying has the potential to provide income and employment to both the rural and urban poor and making it safe may have wider economic benefits.
Highlights
The launching of National Rural Sanitation Programme (NRSP) during National Development Plan 7 (NDP 7) (1991-1997) saw a rapid increase in the provision of both conventional and improved pit latrines in the rural households of Botswana
This paper aims to review current practices, policies and challenges facing Botswana in Faecal Sludge Management (FSM)
There are policies related to sanitation, there is no clear strategy addressing FSM with regard to pit emptying
Summary
The launching of National Rural Sanitation Programme (NRSP) during National Development Plan 7 (NDP 7) (1991-1997) saw a rapid increase in the provision of both conventional and improved pit latrines in the rural households of Botswana. The deterioration of the quality of groundwater resources in some parts of Botswana has led to the development of a National Policy on Wastewater and Sanitation which requires that all on-site sanitation technologies used in the country, must be able to satisfy the following criteria; 1) Operational effectiveness and reliability of technology, 2) Minimal public health risks to the users, 3) Cultural and social acceptance, 4) Affordability, 5) Free from offensive smell and unsightly conditions, 6) Inability to attract flies and other insects, 7) Minimal groundwater pollution risks, 8) Minimal water usage and Easy maintenance by the user. Models of the VIP latrine have been developed which satisfy most of the generally established criteria for acceptable on-site sanitation systems These are regarded to be more socially and culturally acceptable to users; structurally and functionally sound; and sanitary
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