The Singapore-based nongovernment organization, Lien Aid, has introduced floating toilets as part of its “River of life” project for the floating communities of Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia (see also an earlier blog post on this project). In February 2009, Lien Aid was introducing “different toilet designs that they can build on their houseboats”, CEO Sahari Ani told the Asian Development Bank . “Simultaneously, we’re providing them with a safer choice for drinking water by building a floating water treatment plant” Mr. Ani said. “We are exploring several options including the use of especially adapted septic tanks plus ecological sanitation using the urine diversion-dissecting (UDD) toilet”.
Based on the villagers’ preferences, Lien Aid “determined the size of the toilets, buckets to be used for storage of excreta, ecosan pans (2-hole or 3-hole), and other design considerations [resulting in] 3 workable designs to date” (see sample designs of the three options here). “Our next challenges are to modify existing toilets to incorporate the UDD options, ensure availability of suitable drying material for covering feces, and keep the costs manageable”, Mr. Ani explained.
Lien Aid, which works together with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and local authorities, “is developing simple [...] publications on methods of construction, use, and maintenance of the floating toilets”.
Floating toilets cost “between US$50-200, depending on whether the family will just upgrade their existing drop-hole toilet to accommodate the UDD technology or whether the entire toilet, including superstructure, will be constructed from scratch. The size of the toilet will also dictate the cost – toilets that can accommodate 2 tanks will obviously cost more [The 2 tanks will be for families who wish to avoid handling semi-decomposed excreta every few months. Once the first vault is full, it can be sealed for a few months until the feces dries up, and the alternate second vault will be used. Toilets with only 1 vault means the family will have to dispose of semi-composted feces at monthly intervals.]. We’re still trying to lower the cost by using indigenous materials and encouraging local entrepreneurs to manufacture the UDD pans”.
Together with the floating toilets, “a land-based composting unit and collection system will be established to manage the semi-composted feces. We hope to promote the use of fully decomposed feces as compost”.
Lien Aid had “already set up a community center for water-sanitation related training and advocacy activities” and “will also form a water-sanitation group from among the residents and community leaders”.
Source: ADB, Feb 2009
