Bhutan: 'toilet revolution' has not led to high use
Updated - Tuesday 02 September 2008
Despite a national campaign in Bhutan to provide public latrines, which provided almost 100% coverage by 2000, people tend not to use them and continue to defecate in the open. The toilets often fall into disrepair or are used for other purposes.
The problem is particularly bad in rural areas. Uygen Rinzine, chief engineer of the public health engineering division, says that this is because of 'the lack of an appropriate communication approach with rural communities and of a choice of latrine technologies'. In May 2008 the division organised a workshop on rural sanitation to discuss plans to implement a community-led total sanitation strategy and a national rural sanitation and hygiene programme.
In Trongsa town, two 'pay and use' toilets have not been used for about six years. People are not prepared to pay to use them, and they are located away from the main town area. One only gets visited by 'a few dogs', while the municipal sweeper lives in the other. The municipality has plans to rebuild them but does not have the funds.
Related news:
- Nepal: toilets used to distil wine or store fodder, Source, 18 Aug 2008;
- Bhutan: International Sanitation Day observed, Source, 18 Jul 2008
Sources: Dr Damber Kumar Nirola, Kuensel Online, 11 Aug 2008 ; Tandin Wangchuk, Kuensel Online, 01 May 2008 ; Tashi Dema, Kuensel Online, 07 Jul 2008
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