Sanitation Projects Research Articles

‘ People don’t like the ultra-poor like me ’: an intersectional approach to gender and participation in urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects in Dhaka’s bostis

In this paper we use an anti, intra and inter-categorical intersectional approach, and ethnographic enquiry in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to nuance debate over gender and participation in urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects in low-income settlements. We make three claims. First, that a mismatch exists between how ‘women’ are framed and targeted in WASH projects and everyday experience characterised by the unequal distribution of benefits and burdens. Second, the likelihood of participation and leadership in WASH projects differs between women according, especially, to age, income, marital and occupancy status, social and political relationships. Third, the same interconnected leaders - including married ‘power couples’ - are involved in all development projects, with implications for the consolidation of power and authority. We call for urban development research, policy and practice to better engage with difference and the conflicting roles certain women and men play in NGO management, local politics and broader claim-making.

The Role of Women in Climate Change Adaptation Technologies for Community Water and Sanitation Projects in Navakholo Sub County, Kenya

This research dealt with the role of women in climate adaptation technology in community water and sanitation projects in navakholo constituency, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design and it targeted women in the community where the technologies we being used. A sample of 234 respondents which is 10% of the universe was used to collect data and simple random sampling technique used to identify the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaire. The study used Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient ( 0.796) to measure the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential methods of data analysis were used in analysis of quantitative and qualitative data . Results indicate that t here was a statistically significant difference between groups as determined by one-way ANOVA (F (4,151) = 597.190, p = 0.000). In addition, there was positive and significant influence of community alternative energy sourcing on the role of women in climate adaptation technologies in water and sanitation projects (β= 0.0.684; t = 5.515; p < 0.05). There was positive and significant influence of spring protection on the role of women in climate adaptable technologies in water and sanitation projects (β= 0.0.111; t = 6.324; p < 0.05). There was also positive and insignificant influence of rainwater harvesting technologies on the role of women in climate adaptation technologies in water and sanitation projects (β= -0.051; t = 13.331; p < 0.05). However, there was a negative but insignificant influence of ventilated pit latrine on the role of women in climate adaptation technologies (β= -0.057; t = -.860; p > 0.05) from the regression equation determined as Y = -0.051+0.111X 1 -0.057X 2 + 0.269X 3 +0.684X 4 . The study findings will significantly inform Government and policy makers’ in improving policies that support role of women in climate adaptation technologies to provide ecological, economic, social and cultural benefits for present and future generations in gender and climate issues.

The Environmental Impact Assessment of Sanitation Projects in Chile: Overview and Improvement Opportunities Focused on Follow-Ups.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal and administrative tool aimed to identify, predict, and interpret the impact of a project or activity on the environment and human health. The EIA also evaluates the accuracy of the predictions and audits the effectiveness of the established preventive measures. Regarding the sanitation sector, efficiency of wastewater treatments and sanitation networks determine the pollutant level of the discharged liquid effluents and the subsequent impact on the environment and human health. This problematic makes necessary to assess how proper the regulatory follow-ups of sanitation projects is. This paper evaluates the performance of the Chilean EIA System concerning to sanitation projects. Taking into account that the more restrictive Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and more permissive Environmental Impact Declaration (EID) are the ways for projects’ entry to the EIA System in Chile, 5336 sanitation projects submitted to EIA between 1994 and 2019 were complied. A representative sample of 76 projects (15 entered as EIS and 61 as EID) was analyzed by using a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) through 14 selected performance indicators. Observed weaknesses have led to propose improvement opportunities of the EIA focused on the follow-ups after the environmental license is obtained, such as creation of a simplified sanctioning procedure, decentralization of decision-making, deadline establishment in each stage, and unified direct link for each project. These proposals seek to improve the effectiveness of monitoring and possible sanctions to early identify impacts of sanitation projects on the environment and human health. This paper introduces a robust methodology for evaluation criteria focused on the follow-ups analysis, which can be used in other countries that consider respectful sanitation projects have direct social and environmental benefits leading to long-term indirect cultural and economic values.

Enhancing agricultural and industrial productivity through freshwater withdrawals and management: implications for the BRICS countries

This paper analysed the effect of freshwater withdrawals and management on agricultural and industrial sectors productivity in the emerging market economies. The auto-regressive distributed lag model and the panel analyses were employed in our estimations. Our result revealed that Brazil had better water use efficiency in agricultural production with annual withdrawals which contribute significantly and positively to the increase in crop and livestock index. In contrast, annual withdrawals for agriculture were considered to be least efficient in Russia, followed by China and India, although, in South Africa, the result suggested an insignificant positive effect in the incremental index. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that freshwater withdrawals have a significant positive impact on industrial outputs in South Africa. Similarly, water withdrawals were positively related to industrial sector productivity in China and Russia. Brazil and India appear to be the least efficient countries where withdrawals impacted negatively (and significantly for Brazil) on industrial sector outputs. Our panel analyses showed that freshwater withdrawals were positively associated with crop and livestock production index and industrial outputs in the BRICS economies. However, the magnitude of the impacts was only significant for the industrial sector. Moreover, investments and private participation in water and sanitation projects impacted significantly and positively in productivity in both sectors.

Assessment of the failure to implement a much-needed rural water and sanitation project in Brazil

ABSTRACT The National Rural Water and Sanitation Project was implemented in Brazil in the 1980s. It did not succeed because it did not become an institutionalized public policy that reached the entire national territory, and it was discontinued a few years later. This article assesses the factors explaining this failure using the 5C Protocol. The results show that the flaws in the implementation impaired the sustainability of the established systems. Political reasons compromised the principles idealized during the conception of the project. Also, technical and institutional limitations constrained the implementation of the recommended innovations, such as social participation, and adaptive technologies.

Status of Public Water Supply Facilities in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Providing drinking water in the wetland area of the Niger Delta has been a lingering problem for a number of reasons, chief among which is providing the infrastructure for water supply and maintainability of such facilities, given the general culture of negligence and penchant for vandalization of public facilities. This study aimed to assess the facilities at the Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC) to ascertain the fitness to deliver water of satisfactory quality to the city. This survey focused on taking an inventory of PHWC facilities at Rumuola main Water station, Eagle Island Water Station, Borokiri Sandfill Water Station, Diobu Water Station, Earnest Ikoli Water Station, GRA Omerelu Street Water Station, Moscow Road Water Station, Elelenwo Water Station, Rumuokwurushi Water Station and Trans Amadi Water Station. On the state of facilities used by PHWC, it was observed that preponderance of the facilities were poorly maintained, overgrown with weeds, underutilized and were at various degrees of dilapidation and working below capacities except for Moscow Road Water Station which is fairly maintained and currently supplies water to some areas. As a recommendation, the planned Port Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project (PHWSSP) should be pursued to completion and improvement to the facilities made urgently.

Sustainability and long-term impact of community-managed water supply in rural Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia

How can Community Managed Water Supply (CMWS) become more sustainable? Recent studies in several countries indicate that the sustainability of many CMWS is poor. As a result, their long term impact on village lives is limited. This paper presents the findings of research on the sustainability and long-term impact of a group of CMWS created by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (RWSSP) in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. This project adopted a Community-Based Approach to maximize the sustainability and long-term impact of its CMWS. The research assessed the sustainability of these CMWS a decade after their completion. It used six measures to assess sustainability and examined four long-term impacts. The results are compared with studies from other countries. The influence of Community-Based Approach (CBA) on the results is discussed. Recommendations are made for changes in policies and strategies to improve the sustainability and long term impact of future CMWS in Central Asia and elsewhere.

User-acceptance of sanitation technologies in South Africa and Malawi

There is a great need for the planning and implementation of sanitation technologies (STs) to take into consideration the user-acceptance factor and, therefore, limit resource wastage. This article aims to determine whether the pattern of relative importance of the factors that affect sanitation technology user-acceptance (STUA) is similar across study areas located in South Africa and Malawi with respect to the STs rolled out. Information from the study is especially critical for resource conservation, considering the recent relatively poor performance of the South African economy (a 7% slump) in 2020. Desktop research methods, using data from previous studies, were used to perform an analysis of the significance of the underlying factors that influence STUA. These were based on a systematic review that uses a structured protocol for literature review, together with the snowball approach. The methodology proposed by the Water Research Commission (WRC) under the sanitation suitability index was used to perform the sanitation technology comparisons. This article adds value to previous research in that, unlike previous research studies, it considers several relevant researched technologies to establish whether there exist similar patterns of relative significance of factors that influence STUA. Reliability, health, user- and technical acceptability were the predominant influencers of STUA. Education, training, and technical support are necessary throughout the sanitation project life cycle.

Bridging social capital theory and practice: Evidence from community-managed water treatment plants in Honduras

Since social capital permeated the conceptualization of “community” in the early 1990s, evidence has mounted as to its significance for water and sanitation projects. But understanding how to apply knowledge of social capital towards sustainable development has lagged far behind. To address this gap, we combined insights from household surveys, semi-structured interviews, performance evaluations, and extensive field observations into comparative case narratives of six community-managed drinking water treatment plants built through an NGO initiative in Honduras. The aim was to not only measure social capital but to use those measurements as a framework to understand how social capital affected each project. Our findings suggest that social capital amplified or hindered plant performance through three key mediating mechanisms: Resource mobilization; resilience to change and conflict; and participation and communication. Plant performance, in turn, influenced community social capital by affecting the relationship between the NGO and community and community residents' trust in the project. These mechanisms constitute a feedback loop by which relative levels of social capital and water system operation are mutually reinforcing. Drawing on our results, we propose four accessible proxies and four initial strategies practitioners can use to operationalize social capital scholarship and identify and disrupt negative patterns during the project cycle. We encourage additional translational research to leverage the ever-growing knowledge of social capital into improved outcomes in practice.

Integrated disease management: arboviral infections and waterborne diarrhoea.

Water-related diseases such as diarrhoeal diseases from viral, bacterial and parasitic organisms and Aedes-borne arboviral diseases are major global health problems. We believe that these two disease groups share common risk factors, namely inadequate household water management, poor sanitation and solid waste management. Where water provision is inadequate, water storage is essential. Aedes mosquitoes commonly breed in household water storage containers, which can hold water contaminated with enteric disease-causing organisms. Microbiological contamination of water between source and point-of-use is a major cause of reduced drinking-water quality. Inadequate sanitation and solid waste management increase not only risk of water contamination, but also the availability of mosquito larval habitats. In this article we discuss integrated interventions that interrupt mosquito breeding while also providing sanitary environments and clean water. Specific interventions include improving storage container design, placement and maintenance and scaling up access to piped water. Vector control can be integrated into sanitation projects that target sewers and drains to avoid accumulation of stagnant water. Better management of garbage and solid waste can reduce the availability of mosquito habitats while improving human living conditions. Our proposed integration of disease interventions is consistent with strategies promoted in several global health frameworks, such as the sustainable development goals, the global vector control response, behavioural change, and water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives. Future research should address how interventions targeting water, sanitation, hygiene and community waste disposal also benefit Aedes-borne disease control. The projected effects of climate change mean that integrated management and control strategies will become increasingly important.

Driving internal change by external means: The paradoxical mission of development NGOs

In this study, we analyze the dynamics of the paradoxical mission of development NGOs, who as external actors from Western welfare states aim to drive internal change in local communities in developing countries. This paradoxical mission is particularly interesting in order to contribute to paradox theory as it constitutes of two poles, where one is fixed and the other is dynamic. While NGOs can adjust their practices as external actors, they cannot influence the internal nature of their objective to drive change that comes from within local communities. Based on a 15-months ethnographic case study of the German development NGO Viva con Aqua, which works with their paradoxical mission of implementing water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in rural Uganda, we find that the organization applied different strategies to cope with the paradoxical tensions of their mission and meet their desired end: (1) adjusting external means, (2) supporting internal means, and (3) working with universal means. This way, we contribute to the literature on organizational paradoxes by analyzing a paradox that unfolds between means and end of a process by introducing the paradox response of ‘working with universal means’.

Challenges of network interaction in managing sustainable development projects in developing countries: case of an international consulting company

PurposeThis study aims to explore the challenges and complexities of interaction in international stakeholder networks within the context of projects focused on the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs). In particular, it examines the challenges faced by stakeholders in a network from a developed country during interaction in the context of a developing country.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, this study analyses interview data collected from the key managers of an international consulting company in charge of a water supply and sanitation project in Nepal. The primary data is triangulated with secondary data, such as project reports and related academic articles.FindingsThis study illustrates how interaction in international stakeholder networks affects and is interrelated with SDGs, as well as how aiming to achieve one specific goal can stimulate the implementation of other sustainable goals. Further, this research shows how project managers from a developed country had to adapt to the specifics of the developing country context and how their sustainability project influenced the well-being of local communities by improving environmental and social sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe research suggests that challenges in stakeholder interaction may arise because of differences in process management methods used by the international stakeholders involved in the project and country-context specifics, such as corruption, imperfect national regulations, cultural specifics, effects of climate change, etc.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on international multi-stakeholder interaction between actors from developed and developing countries. Furthermore, it adds to the literature on stakeholder networking by highlighting the importance of engaging in a dialogue with local communities during the conceptualisation stages of both sustainability and SDG implementation because of diverging worldviews and practices.

A model for work packages optimization in results-based-finance projects

PurposeIn many developing countries, the sanitation sector constitutes a major part of their strategic plans of reform. Yet with the very limited budget of the public treasury, countries opt to major lending institutions for funds. “Results-Based-Finance” is a new funding mechanism that has proven its efficiency in achieving the necessary reform in sanitation sectors. Due to the complexity of the funding tool, it is crucial to be able to decompose the project into smaller packages to be able to effectively control the project. The objective of this paper is to reach an optimum packaging scheme that enables the project to be successfully managed through better planning and cost control practices.Design/methodology/approachWith the aid of Unified Modelling Language (UML), an algorithm is developed to map the logic behind the model suggested with detailed illustrations of its different modules. Object-oriented processes and operations are modeled using different diagrams of the language, which automatically generate the optimum packaging combination. The packaging model is then implemented via a number of computer-aided programs. The Microsoft Excel 2019 is used for calculation purposes. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming language is used to make the model user-friendly for non-engineering stakeholders. The Palisade's Decision Tools Suite is used for the optimization processFindingsThe model is validated through a case study of a mega sanitation project located in Egypt. The model output is not only the content of the packages but also a complete managing plan which demonstrates many useful information to the decision-makers and government officials.Originality/valueThe research aim is to provide the construction industry with a tool that makes the packaging process of mega projects funded through the “Results-Based-Finance” mechanism, done in an automated manner. Moreover, the packages are selected in a way to optimize the project cashflow. Having the optimum package size shall ensure better planning and a more accurate cost control. Yet it is a challenging task; especially, when the project cash flow is very sensitive and intolerant to delays like in the “Results-Based-Finance” mechanism.

Corporate social responsibility in luxury hotels in Cusco (Peru) to benefit indigenous communities

Responsible tourism encompasses the protection and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage considered tourism resources, including traditional local communities. However, concerns among the hospitality industry favour the environmental dimension, while the sociocultural dimension still needs more attention. The present case study focuses on the ways in which luxury hotels, in the context of Cusco (Peru, South America), benefit the indigenous Quechua communities, located among the region, through corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions. Interviews with hotel representatives revealed a rather heterogeneous understanding among them regarding CSR-related concepts. However, in general, a growing interest and commitment in promoting actions to help the surrounding communities were noted. While various approaches towards the creation of community benefits were described, there was consensus regarding the perceived main challenge of working with communities being the time that it takes to build a strong relationship with community members due to initial sociocultural barriers. Main actions developed by these hotels included providing education, training, health and sanitation projects; prioritizing local fair-trade suppliers when available and of quality; and supporting local entrepreneurs. In addition, all hotels engaged in philanthropic activities. The study’s insight regarding hotels’ CSR activities demonstrates the diverse ways that the hospitality sector can contribute to the betterment of society.

The Thames: Arresting Ecosystem Decline and Building Back Better

The Thames is an iconic river of cultural and historical importance. A cyclical process of deterioration during the last two centuries, followed by technology-driven restorations, including two major sanitation projects with a third currently underway, has produced detrimental effects on the Thames ecosystem. This paper overviews the river ecology, pollution and other anthropogenic pressures, which lead to biodiversity loss and the proliferation of non-native, pollution-tolerant species. This article further reviews past and current management, sampling and assessments trends and provides an objective overview of remediation, restoration and monitoring needs, practices and research gaps. Here, we argue that restoration work, if maladapted, can be ineffective in improving resilience or have unexpected side effects that make matters worse rather than better. We explain the need for a broader view of river restoration and management including consideration of species transplants in achieving overall sustainability against a backdrop of accelerating change in the Anthropocene.

Contextualizing Action Research

This article focuses on designing and conducting action research in diverse settings. Action research is a collaborative approach to problem solving. It involves consultative problem identification, reflects context, encourages reflexive examination, and ultimately encourages and empowers beneficiaries for desirable change. In that regard, it puts all stakeholders at the core of the change process. The process of change from research project conceptualization to analysis and policy implications is thus made more understandable and meaningful to community actors (beneficiaries). The chapter features three empirical models from diverse parts of the world. These are Model 1: Photo-voice as a form action research depicting an underused footbridge in Barbados; Model 2: DANIDA Community Water and Sanitation Project, Ghana; and REACH After School Enrichment Program, USA.

SANITATION PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Decision-making in sanitation projects is complex, which is why it is necessary to analyze multiple factors for the efficient planning, control and management of water resources. The aim of this study is to apply a multicriteria method known as AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) to aid decision making in sanitation projects management. applying the AHP to define the best basin for the implementation of the sewage system in a neighborhood in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, considering multiple factors.in a private company in the sanitation sector. The goal of this study was accomplished once the use of the method was successful and indicated the most preferable basin for the implantation.

The Degree of Success in Environmental Mitigation Measures of Development Projects in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Peraru Water Supply and Sanitation Project

Human life and element of nature is well connected. Man-made activities can destroy the natural system which sustains the human life. In many parts of the world, economic development projects directed at improving levels of material comfort have had unintended detrimental effects on people and natural resources. Water, land, and air have been degraded to the point where they can no longer sustain existing levels of development and quality of life. Economic development in developing countries has been focused on immediate economic gains environmental protection has not been a priority because the economic losses from environmental degradation often occur long after the economic benefits of development have been realized. Environmental Management Plans (EMP) are used in development projects to mitigate the anticipated impacts due the project intervention. EMP is monitored periodically using performance indicators shown in the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP). As per National Environmental Act, all the mega development activities must have an   EMP. Some development projects effectively implement the EMP but there are cases that the implementation is not being practiced as per the EMP. This study assessed   how effectively EMP was implemented in Per Aru Water Supply and Sanitation Project. A structured interview guideline was used to collect and obtain information from the target group. The study analysed impact and mitigation on key environmental factors such as air, water, land, fauna and flora. Throughout the study, it was found that the implementation of EMP was successful. Project had planted around 176,972 plants for removing 1600 trees; Followed enough mitigation measures riprap and turfing to control the erosion in the bund; less mobile species were translocated to similar habitat area; no degradation occurred to the water body surrounding the project area; however project had failed to take enough mitigation measures on dust, translocating the flora and releasing the environmental flow. It is recommended to release the environmental flow, form a grievance redress mechanism to solve environmental related peoples’ complains and grievances, improve the community consultation, increase the project approving agencies monitoring on the implementation of EMP, and control the invasive plants Muntingia calabura (Jam fruit tree). Further, recommended to donor agencies to evaluate the successfulness of the implemented EMP after project completion

Promotion of low flush toilets in urban Mozambique from innovation idea to social enterprise

The Pia Fantastica toilet flushes with just one cup of water under an angle of 45 degrees and has no water seal. It has the convenience of a pedestal like a conventional ceramic toilet, and, if well installed, has no smell or fly problem. It is a toilet made out of concrete which can be produced for a price of just US$ 6.50 and is therefore attractive to the local sanitation market.The Pia Fantastica was developed as part of the Biological Urban Sanitation Project (2016–2019) where Black Soldier Fly larvae were used for environmental friendly pit emptying.The project has been translated into a social enterprise “Susamati” run by young professionals in Maputo, Mozambique. Setting up an enterprise is about building a team as well as marketing and sales. At this point, making a financially sustainable enterprise remains a challenge.

EVALUATING THE ECONOMIC RETURN OF THE WATER DESALINATION AND SANITATION PROJECT IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT

The desalination and sanitation project for use in the productive agriculture and cosmetic agriculture sectors and the industrial and population sectors during the study period of the project estimated at about 25 years, bringing the total economic savings from groundwater [about 0.14 KD per thousand gallons] with a total economic saving of the amount of water used in agriculture About 16800 KD daily. As for the desalinated water, the economic saving is 2.263 KD per thousand gallons, and the general total of the demand for desalinated water according to agricultural use is about 12.8 million gallons per day. The general total economic savings is about 28.966 KD per day. The project achieves economic savings from groundwater wells and desalination water about 45.766 KD per day and the savings per thousand gallons is about 0.345 KD per thousand gallons. Thus, the net gains from water desalination and its use in Kuwait amount to about 10350 thousand Kuwaiti dinars per day. The study recommends stressing the importance of the project for different sectors (agriculture, industry) and household uses (population). It is an efficient and practical economic alternative for the comprehensive development of agriculture in the State of Kuwait. Also, alternatives to underground water wealth can be preserved. Introduction : The research deals with the desalination and sanitation project and measuring its economic, social and environmental impact on the Kuwaiti national income, as the project brings benefits to different sectors of population, agriculture, environment and cosmetic agriculture, which are multiple and varied productive, service and environmental sectors. Research problem : The research problem is represented in the limited water resources in the State of Kuwait, which are required for the different uses of the agriculture, industry, cosmetic agriculture, population and environment sectors. Therefore, it is important to search for expanding the desalination water sources for use in these areas, which require high investments and many years, which requires studying the project and evaluating its financial, commercial, economic, social and environmental returns. Research objective :The research aims to shed light on: (1) The economic return of the direct and indirect project. (2) Indirect returns to productive agriculture. Way of research: The use of economic analysis method to describe the economic indicators to estimate the profitability of the different project returns. Data sources : project data and its statistical records in the State of Kuwait, and data of the Statistics Department, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs, Fisheries. Analysis and study of the water desalination and wastewater project: It is one of the national projects in the State of Kuwait, and there are many sectors that benefit from it, such as agriculture, population, environment, industry and cosmetic agriculture. It also brings benefits in many areas of production, consumption and environmental improvement. The project deals with two sources of water that are desalinated, which are ground water (brackish) and desalinated water. Conclusively, the research recommends paying attention to large projects that achieve an increase in national income and adding it to different sectors, which raises the level of income.