Provision Of Sanitation Services Research Articles

Who Gets Water? Governance Failures & Persistent Drinking Water and Sanitation Issues

he sustainable provision of potable water and sanitation services presents a multitude of fundamental challenges concerning access and allocation. These challenges extend beyond water resources themselves, encompassing the allocation of rights, responsibilities, and associated risks. Disparities in water supply and sanitation services are stark, both geographically and socioeconomically. A thorough analysis requires examining the international governance instruments that guide access, the property rights frameworks that dictate allocation, and the scales at which these rights and frameworks operate. Additionally, the responsibilities vested in various authorities and stakeholders must be scrutinized. Water insecurity, particularly with respect to drinking water and sanitation, is not solely attributable to natural phenomena. This paper presents a literature review (2008-2023) encompassing research from the Earth Systems Governance community and beyond, focusing on water supply services and sanitation. Access and allocation were interpreted broadly, encompassing issues of inclusive development, justice, sustainability, and additional themes identified through the review process. The findings suggest a significant role for governments in facilitating access and allocation, with failures in these areas leading to long-term consequences. This will necessitate a holistic approach that considers water access and allocation alongside interconnected issues like sanitation, development, climate change, energy, and food security, all within a multi-level governance framework.

Water and Sanitation Practices and performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company in Bomet County, Kenya

Water and sanitation provision practices are established with the intention to enhance performance, provision on clean water and enhanced sanitation services. However, globally, not all Water & Sanitation Companies are able to achieve their core mandate of provision of adequate clean water and sanitation services. All Water and Sanitation Companies adopt water and sanitation practices however the extent to which they affect performance of water and sanitation companies is has attracted divergent views while other scholar found a negative affect others found a positive effect and hence a dilemma exist as to what is the exact effect of water and sanitation practices on the performance of water and sanitation companies. At Bomet Water and Sanitation Company in Bomet County, very few studies exist that have been conducted on the subject matter and yet its performance is not optimal and the hence the reason as to why this study was conducted at the Water and Sanitation Company. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of water and sanitation practices on performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company in Bomet County, Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were to establish how resources influences performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company, to find out the extent to which stakeholder engagement effects performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company, to determine the effects of governance on the performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company and to examine the influence of information communication technology on the performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company. Theories adopted were; Resource Based View Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Stewardship Theory, Systems Theory and Balance scorecard Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 170 respondents drawn from commercial, technical and administration department. The sample size was 34 staffs selected using stratified random sampling technique. A pilot study was conducted to test the effectiveness and reliability of the research tool. The study used both primary and secondary data sources. Data was analyzed using quantitative approach which involved the use of descriptive statistics that entailed percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistic adopted was regression analysis was used to establish existing relationships between water and sanitation provision practices and performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company. Results were as follows; resources had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO of (β=-0.229, p < 0.05). Stakeholder engagement had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO (β=0.231, p < 0.05). Governance had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO (β=0.451, p < 0.05). ICT had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO (β=0.343, p < 0.05). The study concluded that resources, stakeholder engagement, governance and ICT have a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO. The study recommended that physical resources should used sufficiently and correctly to enhance equitable water supply all residents. The community should continue to be engaged in all water supply and solid waste collection practices in the County. BOMWASCO board structure should effectively represent diverse stakeholder interests. Current software solutions should continue being used in a manner that effectively meets organizational needs and requirements. The study recommends further studies should be conducted on Water and sanitation practices and performance of other water and sanitation companies in Kenya.

Appraisal of groundwater quality and hydrochemistry in three regions of Ghana: Implications for drinking purposes

Groundwater is the most relied upon source of water for rural areas and small communities with no access to national water systems. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) in Ghana is an institution that facilitates the provision of water and sanitation services to small towns and communities, hence it has engineered several boreholes all over the country. However, some of these boreholes have quality challenges. Hence this study was carried out to assess the quality and hydrochemical controls of such boreholes in the Ashanti, Upper East and Central Regions of Ghana. A total of 45 boreholes were sampled across these areas and subjected to physicochemical, microbial, and heavy metal analysis. Analysis of the groundwater in the Ashanti Region indicates that its quality is negatively impacted by its iron, manganese, and arsenic content. Same was observed for the Central Region. While in the Upper East Region, total hardness, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic are the parameters that impact the groundwater quality greatly. Water quality index was used to assess the suitability of the groundwater for domestic purposes and based on this index, 80 % of the water samples were classified as either having an excellent or good quality, while about 7 % were classified as unsuitable for domestic purposes, across all regions. The suitability of the groundwater for irrigational purposes was assessed using sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percentage sodium (% Na), and Kelly's index (KI). Based on SAR and % Na, all the water samples were suitable for irrigation, while 9 % were unsuitable based on KI. This study provides a comprehensive information on some of the CWSA boreholes with quality challenges. This kind of information is critical and useful when considering what options and treatment technologies would be suitable to address the challenges that these boreholes have.

Development of marketing research in the management of consumer decisions in the field of water supply to national economic facilities

This study reveals the essence of marketing research and presents a complete proposal for a marketing research program, including an analysis of possible alternatives for various market participants related to the consumption of water resources. The intensive introduction of marketing tools in various spheres of economic life determines the theoretical and practical interest in the algorithmization of planning activities in the field of marketing, the provision of services to the population and companies. Conducting market research allows the company to understand what customers want, the criteria by which they choose management companies and services for the provision of water consumption and sanitation services, the likelihood (or impossibility) of raising or decreasing prices. Consequently, companies can dynamically track any changes in customer needs, which allows them to retain customers and attract new ones. In turn, this provides the company with high competitiveness, market stability and favorable further economic growth. The main goal of this article was the development of marketing research in the management of the formation of consumer decisions. In the process of writing this article, a literature review, data synthesis and analysis, and systematization of the findings were conducted. The results of the study can be applied in the management of the formation of consumer decisions.

Assessing and improving the sanitation services in Kabarto 2 IDP camp using the Smart sanitation approach

Sanitation is a critical issue in internally displaced people (IDP) camps, where the lack of proper infrastructure and services can pose major health and environmental dangers. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the sanitation situation in Kabarto 2 IDP Camp in Iraq using the Smart Sanitation Approach comprising of three tools: SFD (Shit Flow Diagram), CSDA (Citywide Sanitation Diagnostic Assessment), and ECAM (Energy and Carbon Assessment for Environmental Management). The results show that the camp's sanitation infrastructure is wholly unsafe, with faecal sludge (FS) not being properly contained, emptied, or treated. The operation of the desludging trucks and the incomplete treatment are the main causes of the sanitation system's greenhouse gas emissions. The paper offers recommendations for enhancing the design and construction of the containment systems and restoring or upgrading the treatment plant. In conclusion, the study suggests improving data collection and monitoring, clear roles and responsibilities for the developing a faecal sludge management policy. The paper also makes suggestions for potential future applications of these tools, including the use of these technologies in more IDP camps or humanitarian settings to produce more data and knowledge about the provision of sanitation services in these settings and promote service improvement in the region.

Urban Sanitation: New Terminology for Globally Relevant Solutions?

Progress toward Sustainable Development Goals for global access to safe sanitation is lagging significantly. In this Feature, we propose that misleading terminology leads to errors of categorization and hinders progress toward sanitation service provision in urban areas. Binary classifications such as "offsite/onsite" and "sewered/nonsewered" do not capture the need for "transport to treatment" or the complexity of urban sanitation and should be discarded. "Fecal sludge management" is used only in the development context of low- or middle-income countries, implying separate solutions for "poor" or "southern" contexts, which is unhelpful. Terminology alone does not solve problems, but rather than using outdated or "special" terminology, we argue that a robust terminology that is globally relevant across low-, middle-, and upper-income contexts is required to overcome increasingly unhelpful assumptions and stereotypes. The use of accurate, technically robust vocabulary and definitions can improve decisions about management and selection of treatment, promote a circular economy, provide a basis for evidence-based science and technology research, and lead to critical shifts and transformations to set policy goals around truly safely managed sanitation. In this Feature, the three current modes of sanitation are defined, examples of misconceptions based on existing terminology are presented, and a new terminology for collection and conveyance is proposed: (I) fully road transported, (II) source-separated mixed transport, (III) mixed transport, and (IV) fully pipe transported.

Urban expansion, subnormal agglomerations and provision of sanitation services: a case study of the Metropolitan Region of Belém

The process of urban growth in Brazil remains accelerated and presents a wide variety of realities. In this article, we aim to analyze the urban expansion in the Metropolitan Region of Belém (RMB), verifying whether it occurred intensively or extensively, and whether this expansion was accompanied by an increase in subnormal agglomerations and the provision of sanitation services. The methodology was based on the elaboration of land use and occupation maps in the urban area of the RMB and on obtaining data referring to subnormal agglomerations and the scope of basic sanitation services, made available by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The results showed that the RMB had more extensive urban expansion in the 1990s, with a smaller expansion between 1999 and 2017. However, the coverage of basic sanitation services did not follow this expansion process and in the spaces inserted by the expansion process subnormal clusters were concentrated.

Optimizing Sanitation Network Upgrading Projects in Slum Areas.

Infrastructure upgrading projects are a key element in enhancing the livelihood of residents in slum areas. These projects face significant constructability challenges common to dense-urban construction coupled with the unique socioeconomic challenges of operating in slums. This research focuses on sanitation network upgrading projects in slum areas and proposes a novel methodology capable of (1) accounting for the unique constructability challenges for these projects, (2) accelerating the provision of sanitation services, and (3) optimizing construction decisions. The key contribution of this research to the body of knowledge is in developing a comprehensive construction planning framework capable of achieving these three objectives. The proposed framework focuses specifically on sewer lines upgrading within the larger sanitation networks upgrading projects. This framework consists of five main models that can guide planners in selecting the appropriate equipment sizes, trench system configuration, and optimal equipment routing, in addition to identifying all possible execution sequences along with the corresponding construction cost and duration of each sequence. Most notably, this framework proposes an approach to assess the serviceability of different construction plans measured by how fast sanitary services can be provided to slum dwellers. A multi-objective, genetic algorithms optimization model is developed to identify the optimal construction plans that accelerate the sanitary service provision to residents while minimizing construction costs. A real-world example is presented to demonstrate the model capabilities in optimizing construction plans.

Study design and baseline to evaluate water service provision among peri-urban communities in Kasai Oriental, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We present a study design and baseline results to establish the impact of interventions on peri-urban water access, security and quality in Kasai Oriental province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In standard development practice, program performance is tracked via monitoring and evaluation frameworks of varying sophistication and rigor. Monitoring and evaluation, while usually occurring nearly concurrently with program delivery, may or may not measure parameters that can identify performance with respect to the project's overall goals. Impact evaluations, often using tightly controlled trial designs and conducted over years, challenge iterative program evolution. This study will pilot an implementation science impact evaluation approach in the areas immediately surrounding 14 water service providers, at each surveying 100 randomly-selected households and conducting water quality assessments at 25 randomly-selected households and five water points every three months. We present preliminary point-of-collection and point-of-use baseline data. This study is utilizing a variety of short- and medium-term monitoring and impact evaluation methods to provide feedback at multiple points during the intervention. Rapid feedback monitoring will assess the continuity of water services, point-of-consumption and point-of-collection microbial water quality, household water security, household measures of health status, ability and willingness to pay for water and sanitation service provision, and service performance monitoring. Long-term evaluation will focus on the use of qualitative comparative analysis whereby we will investigate the combination of factors that lead to improved water access, security and quality.

Trends for sanitation practices in Tanzania: the history from colonial to current times

Abstract Although sanitation is a fundamental human right, over 26,500 people die annually due to inadequate sanitation in Tanzania. This situation involves a loss of approximately 301 billion TZS (US$ 206 million). Administrative challenges are part of inadequate sanitation contributors as government actors who took over power after colonization were trained by and emulated the former rulers. Although researchers have researched sanitation practices, few have examined Tanzania's history of sanitation. The paucity of studies on the history of sanitation hinders efforts to address sanitation issues resulting from historical flaws. This review examines the history of sanitation practices in Tanzania, especially the provision of sanitation facilities from colonial times to the present time. In this study, Dar es Salaam received more attention because it was Tanganyika's major urbanized area during colonialism. Thus, it exerted more pressure on sanitation infrastructure. The findings indicate that inequity characterized colonial sanitation provision. After independence, the government's role to improve sanitation was strengthened. However, the emphasis was put on interventions which were top-down, prioritizing latrine construction of any form while disregarding the history of sanitation practices. Further progress could be achieved by considering home-grown solutions and equality in the provision of sanitation services.

Towards a new spatial representation of faecal sources and pathways in unsewered urban catchments using open-source data

Abstract Spatial representation of sanitation infrastructure and service coverage is essential for management planning and prioritising services. The provision of sanitation services in developing countries is inherently unequal because the sanitation infrastructure is lacking, and onsite sanitation is managed individually. Here, we developed a prototype method for creating a spatial representation of faecal sources and movement in a small area in Rajshahi city in northwest Bangladesh, which is representative of 60 other such secondary cities. We demonstrate an approach to estimate spatial variability in faecal production at the building scale by combining widely accessible buildings, ground elevation, and population data. We also demonstrate an approach to attribute potential faecal movement pathways by integrating drainage data, and faecal production at the building scale. We made use of free and open-source data and provide answers to the broader topic of spatial representation of faecal mobility in unsewered urban settings, which has implications in a similar setting in developing countries.

A Systematic Review Investigating the Use of Earth Observation for the Assistance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Disaster Response and Recovery

The use of Earth observation technology such as satellites, unmanned aircraft, or drones as part of early-warning systems and disaster risk reduction plans is a widely researched and established area of study. However, the use this technology can have in the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services in the response and recovery phases of a disaster is not widely researched. A systematic literature review was undertaken assessing relevant literature to identify Earth observation technology and methods that can be applied to the context of water, sanitation and hygiene in disaster response and recovery. Whilst there were many water-related studies, there was a lack of studies looking at the potential uses of Earth observation for sanitation. This is an area that requires further research. Three main common uses of Earth observation technology were identified as relevant: (1) Monitoring of surface water quality; (2) Groundwater Sensing; and (3) Mapping and monitoring of hazards and infrastructure. Whilst the studies of Earth observation in these areas highlight that this technology could be usefully applied to assist with water, sanitation and hygiene during disaster response and recovery, more research is needed and there are limitations to consider—predominantly that funding, communication and integration between many agencies and technologies are required. Additionally, some technologies are subject to local regulations which can cause restrictions to their use over contested or private areas, or trans-national boundaries—common situations in disasters. This review was largely influenced by the search strings inputted during the identification of relevant literature; changing the search strings would likely result in a different combination of literature available for review and subsequent variations in the findings.

The Status of School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Progress Towards Achieving the SDG 6.

The provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and services for schools is vital to students' health, development, and educational performance. However, school WASH coverage in developing countries remains low. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of WASH services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A school-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in 98 schools. A multistage sampling technique was used to select schools included in the study. Data were collected using observational checklists and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. We entered the data into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors with school WASH services. The basic school water, sanitation, and hygiene services were found to be 65.3%, 31.6%, and 36.7%, respectively. The facility-to-student ratio was 1:48 for drinking water point, 1:59 for toilet stance, and 1:147 for handwashing point. The analysis of facilities access by sex revealed that the toilet to student ratio was 1:68 for females and 1:49 for males, whereas the handwashing point-to-student ratio was 1:179 for females and 1:114 for males, indicating disparities in facilities access by sex. The non-functionality rates for drinking water, toilets, and handwashing facilities were 22.5%, 8%, and 19.5%, respectively. School ownership was significantly associated with the availability of basic water services [COR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.466-14.426] and basic sanitation services [COR = 15, 95% CI: 3.27-68.28]. Moreover, the results demonstrate training on WASH [COR = 5, 95% CI: 1.087-23.018] and teaching programs on WASH [COR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.056-0.810] were significantly associated with basic hygiene services. The provision of WASH facilities and services in schools was inadequate and not on track to meet the targets of SDG 6. Training, WASH education program, and stakeholder commitment and cooperation at all levels are required to achieve the goal.

Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools of Jammu District- A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Provision of safe sanitation services reduces transmission of fecooral diseases, school drop outs,under-nutrition which in turn are important for overall development of children. The study was conducted toevaluate the adequacy of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools of rural Jammu.Methodology: A Cross Sectional survey was conducted in 54 (public and private) schools in rural Jammu usingthe questionnaire approved by the Global Task Team for Monitoring WASH in Schools.Results: Piped water was the main source of water supply. Facilities for drinking water were available in allschools. 94.3% schools had 1-9 drinking water points. All schools were doing filtration/chlorination of water. 51%schools reported water and soap availability in girl’s toilets and group hand washing activities were conductedonce a week in 31.5% schools. Toilets were cleaned once per day in 80% of the schools. 88% schools had toiletswithin school premises. Menstrual hygiene materials were available in 42 schools.Conclusions: Environment and sanitation facilities at most of the surveyed schools were reasonably good but notfully satisfactory.

Water, sanitation, hygiene practices, health and nutritional status among children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal evidence from remote areas of Dailekh and Achham districts in Nepal

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic drew hygiene to the center of disease prevention. The provision of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is crucial to protect public health during a pandemic. Yet, access to levels of water supply that support adequate hygiene measures are deficient in many areas in Nepal. We examined WASH practices and their impact on child health and nutritional status in two districts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA longitudinal and mixed method study was conducted in March–May 2018 and November–December 2021. In total, 715 children aged 0–10 years were surveyed at baseline. Of these, 490 children were assessed at endline. Data collection methods included observations, a questionnaire, stool analysis, anthropometric measurements, water quality analysis, and an assessment of clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies. We conducted 10 in-depth interviews to understand major problems related to COVID-19.ResultsMost respondents (94.2%) had heard about COVID-19; however, they did not wear face masks or comply with any social distancing protocols. Almost 94.2% of the households self-reported handwashing with soap 5–10 times per day at endline, especially after defecation, compared to 19.6% at baseline. Water quality was better at endline than at baseline with median 12 to 29 CFU Escherichia coli/100 mL (interquartile range at baseline [IQR] = 4–101) at the point of collection and 34 to 51.5 CFU Escherichia coli/100 mL (IQR = 8–194) at the point of consumption. Fever (41.1–16.8%; p = 0.01), respiratory illness (14.3–4.3%; p = 0.002), diarrhea (19.6–9.5%; p = 0.01), and Giardia lamblia infections (34.2–6.5%, p = 0.01) decreased at endline. In contrast, nutritional deficiencies such as bitot’s spots (26.7–40.2%; p = 0.01), pale conjunctiva (47.0–63.3%; p = 0.01), and dermatitis (64.8–81.4%; p = 0.01) increased at endline. The inadequacy of the harvest and the lack of household income to meet households’ nutritional needs increased drastically (35.0–94.2%; p = 0.01).ConclusionWe found that improved water quality and handwashing practices were associated with a decrease in infectious diseases. However, food security also decreased resulting in a high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies. Our findings underline that disaster preparedness should consider access to adequate WASH, nutrition, and health supplies.

Estimating the changing burden of disease attributable to unsafe water and lack of sanitation and hygiene in South Africa for 2000, 2006 and 2012.

The incidence of diarrhoeal disease is closely linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors, household practices and access to health services. South African (SA) district health information and national survey data report wide variation in the incidence and prevalence of diarrhoeal episodes in children under 5 years of age. These differentials indicate potential for reducing the disease burden through improvements in provision of water and sanitation services and changes in hygiene behaviour. To estimate the burden of disease attributed to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) by province, sex and age group for SA in 2000, 2006 and 2012. Comparative risk assessment methodology was used to estimate the disease burden attributable to an exposure by comparing the observed risk factor distribution with a theoretical lowest possible population distribution. The study adapts the original World Health Organization scenario-based approach for estimating diarrhoeal disease burden from unsafe WASH, by assigning different standards of household water and sanitation-specific geographical classification to capture SA living conditions in rural, urban and informal settlements. SA experienced an improvement in water and sanitation supply in eight of the nine provinces between 2001 and 2011, with the exception of Northern Cape Province. In 2011, 41% of South Africans lived with poor water and sanitation conditions; however, wide provincial inequalities exist. In 2012, it was estimated that 84.1% of all deaths due to diarrhoeal disease were attributable to unsafe WASH; this equates to 13 757 deaths (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 13 015 - 14 300). Of these diarrhoeal disease deaths, 48.2% occurred in children under 5 years of age, accounting for 13.9% of all deaths in this age group (95% UI 13.1 - 14.4). Between 2000 and 2012, the proportion of deaths attributable to diarrhoea reduced from 3.6% to 2.6%. Gauteng and Western Cape provinces experienced much lower WASHattributable death rates than the more rural, poorer provinces. Unsafe WASH remains an important risk factor for disease in SA, especially in children. High priority needs to be given to the provision of safe and sustainable sanitation and water facilities and promoting safe hygiene behaviours. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the critical importance of clean water for preventing and containing disease.

Integration of container-based sanitation service provision in cities: influence of gender, religion and culture.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges and opportunities in container based sanitation service provision in cities. Container based sanitation is an innovative technology where waste is collected and captured in sealable containers transported and treated use and/or safe disposal. CBS and non-CBS users’ perspectives were sought, to gain understanding on their experiences and perception about CBS services integration. Users were unpacked into three groups: households using CBS as pay per use, those running CBS as business and household with CBS installed in their residential. The study also sought to establish whether CBS suited sanitation needs of the users’ in line with social factors surrounding latrine adoption and User toilet Preference .Further, the study sought to establish the CBS stakeholders perspectives; support and perception of CBS as a sanitation option for the high density low income settlements The study adopted descriptive survey research design that enabled collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. The study was conducted among household members of Mukuru Kwa Njenga. Semi-structured questionnaires were used as primary collection tools, collection technique included observation, questionnaires and interviews. Additionally, ten in-depth interviews were conducted, with community chairmen, public utility representative, service providers and a government official. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0, qualitative data was thematically presented and reported in a verbatim prose. The study established that CBS service provision was rated as most preferred sanitation technology by 92% and 60% among CBS and non CBS household sampled. In addition CBS though most dominant option among the residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga, there some aspects of this innovative technology that needed to be upgraded including: Reevaluation on the CBS cost, structural improvement customized on the users sanitation preferences in line with socio-factors underpinning latrine usage, increased stakeholders involvement. The results from this study can be applied by container based service providers operating in low-income high density settlement for upscaling of CBS service provision ,this could be achieved through integration of CBS users preferences in the CBS technology upgrade. Additionally the results are also relevant to sanitation stakeholders including public and private institutions for strengthening of partnerships with an aim of creating an enabling platform for CBS operation for the betterment of CBS services especially in the informal area, where CBS has been demonstrated as viable.

Preconditions, processes and structures: Interorganisational collaboration in the provision of post-disaster water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services

Emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are critical to avoid transmission of infectious diseases and limit susceptibility to disease-bearing vectors. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a critical role in developing WASH programs, working with government organisations (GOs), specifically during the post-disaster phase, whether during recovery or reconstruction periods. Developing effective collaboration between GOs and NGOs can form a well-focused relationship leading to effective outcomes. Lack of collaboration may result in negative outcomes, including significant infrastructure destruction, loss of life and property, and lack of access to WASH service. The aim of the paper is to identify the factors influencing collaboration between GOs and NGOs to provide WASH services in the post-disaster phase. The research methodology is underpinned by qualitative approach using data collected using semi-structured interviews. The result obtained from analysing data from thirty interviewees support the preconditions, processes, and structural factors of collaboration.The findings suggest that the increasing complexity of disasters and the lack of capacity of GOs alone to manage these disasters have created interdependency between GO and NGOs. Moreover, good relationship history and a shared vison between GOs and NGOs are key preconditions for effective collaboration. The structures for effective GO-NGO collaboration require good coordination, good legislation, and an administrative system with legitimised coordinators/administrators, backed up by clear descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. The processes relating to planning, developing mutual understanding, communication, and cooperation is key for collaboration between GOs and NGOs. Furthermore, the findings identified trust and power as the mediator factors integrating with the precondition, process, and structure variables for GO-NGO collaboration for the effective delivery of public services in times of crisis.

Hydrothermal carbonization as an alternative sanitation technology: process optimization and development of low-cost reactor.

Background: The provision of safe sanitation services is essential for human well-being and environmental integrity, but it is often lacking in less developed communities with insufficient financial and technical resources. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been suggested as an alternative sanitation technology, producing value-added products from faecal waste. We evaluated the HTC technology for raw human waste treatment in terms of resource recovery. In addition, we constructed and tested a low-cost HTC reactor for its technical feasibility. Methods: Raw human faeces were hydrothermally treated in a mild severity range (≤ 200 °C and ≤ 1 hr). The total energy recovery was analysed from the energy input, higher heating value (HHV) of hydrochar and biomethane potential of process water. The nutrient contents were recovered through struvite precipitation employing process water and acid leachate from hydrochar ash. A bench-scale low-cost reactor (BLR) was developed using widely available materials and tested for human faeces treatment. Results: The hydrochar had HHVs (23.2 - 25.2 MJ/kg) comparable to bituminous coal. The calorific value of hydrochar accounted for more than 90% of the total energy recovery. Around 78% of phosphorus in feedstock was retained in hydrochar ash, while 15% was in process water. 72% of the initial phosphorus can be recovered as struvite when deficient Mg and NH 4 are supplemented. The experiments with BLR showed stable operation for faecal waste treatment with an energy efficiency comparable to a commercial reactor system. Conclusions: This research presents a proof of concept for the hydrothermal treatment of faecal waste as an alternative sanitation technology, by providing a quantitative evaluation of the resource recovery of energy and nutrients. The experiments with the BLR demonstrate the technical feasibility of the low-cost reactor and support its further development on a larger scale to reach practical implementation.

Public-Private Partnership in the Context of Sustainable Development on the Example of the Water and Wastewater Sector

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implementation of investments in the water and sewage sector in Poland and other European countries using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) formula. The paper identifies the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats arising from the use of this formula for local government public tasks for the delivery and treatment of domestic wastewater, in the context of EU legislation. It also examines the validity of the use of PPP in the context of the implementation of the principle of sustainable development in water management. PPPs are commonly used to deliver strategic public services under financial limitations. Countries such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, based on years of experience and good practices, are effectively implementing PPP projects, including those in the water and sewerage sector. The provision of treated drinking water and the treatment of municipal wastewater is a fundamental task ensuring an adequate quality of life for people by maintaining public health at an appropriate level. The fact that water and sanitation infrastructure and service provision in this sector is expensive, both at the construction and operational stages, has led countries at different levels of development to turn to public-private partnerships. Properly managed PPP projects secure the interests of both the private and public partner and the end user of the services. The analysis of data and examples of European PPPs in the water and wastewater sector shows that PPPs have been successful for most public entities that have chosen them. Good practices from Scotland, Ireland and Poland, as well as projects that have experienced difficulties, show that stable and friendly legislation, thorough pre-feasibility studies and an appropriate allocation of risk make PPPs successful. In the context of the conducted analysis, PPP is a tool enabling the realization of tasks in the water and sewage sector, where the public party’s budget possibilities are limited. Moreover, PPP is a component of the realization of the sustainable development principle. The idea that the use of natural resources, including water, which is fundamental to the biological and cultural needs of humankind, should be met in such a way as to save them for future generations, is realized in PPP projects. This paper demonstrates that the use of financial assembly opportunities in PPPs makes it possible to significantly intensify the construction of new and upgrading of existing water and wastewater infrastructure. It contributes to the protection of aquatic ecosystems and securing public health associated with living in direct proximity to surface water and discharging wastewater without affecting the natural environment and human habitats.