Assessment of Appropriate Sanitation Technologies in a Development

134 Pages·2006·2.1 MB·English

Assessment of Appropriate Sanitation Technologies in
a Development Context.
Case Study: Tangkae, Timor-Leste

Phoebe Mack
Supervisor: Associate Professor Carolyn Oldham
November 2006

This dissertation is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Engineering (Environmental).

“If we are to satisfy the acute needs of hundreds of millions of people today, and those of billions
tomorrow, we must take a quantum leap by doing things differently and start doing them now”
(Delft Declaration UNDP Symposium 1991)

Abstract
Currently 40% of the global community have inadequate access to hygienic sanitation facilities,
contributing to the high incidence of diarrhoeal diseases and preventable mortalities prevalent throughout
developing nations. Accordingly, the implementation of appropriate sanitation facilities has the ability to
improve the livelihoods of communities worldwide. Such facilities provide broad community benefits
such as reducing the burden of disease, increasing school attendance, economic productivity and assisting
the empowerment of women.

This dissertation aims to highlight the vitality of these issues and encompasses a broad investigation of the
processes associated with the water and sanitation international development sector. The primary aim of
this study is to assess the viability of available sanitation technologies which can be applied in a
development context. The case study of Tangkae, a small community in Timor-Leste is used to illustrate
the procedures necessary to develop appropriate, integrated and sustainable solutions for a community
with inadequate sanitation facilities. Through this research it was found that the most viable option for
implementation in Tangkae is the Ventilation Improved Pit latrine. Its’ viability owes to the simplicity,
economic feasibility and cultural suitability of the technology. The composting and urine diversion
sanitation technologies were also considered highly sustainable sanitation solutions, providing
environmental, economic and health benefits. However these eco-sanitation options have large educational
and resources demands due to the technical operational requirements.

This dissertation also articulates the complexity of international development work, discussing the key
concept of capacity building, the Millennium Development Goals and issues arising in relation to
stakeholder involvement and information flow. The importance of a holistic and interdisciplinary
approach to such programs is demonstrated through exploring the environmental, economic, cultural and
technical concerns of implementing water and sanitation projects. Capacity building is a central
component of this project, with the objective to empower and build the capacity of the local community
and stakeholders to improve their situation. This project demonstrates the procedure required to produce
sustainable and holistic outcomes and in doing so proffers an approach that can be utilised as a model for
like projects in similar contexts.

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Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments
There are many stakeholders and partners involved in this project and I would like to express thanks and
acknowledge the input and support from them all.

To the UWA Project Team, my friends and colleagues Heidi Michael and Vaughn Grey for their company,
enthusiasm and dedication to the project. Together with the In-country Project Team, my friends and
colleagues from UNTL: Martinho, Adilio, Diamantinho, Delfim, Jacinto and Atibo. My thoughts are with
you and I hope to continue our friendship and the project very soon.

A very big and special thankyou to Domingos de Oliveira. Who not only patiently translated and taught us
Tetun throughout the year, but shared precious insights concerning life and the intricacies of East Timor.
His influence on the outcomes of this the project are invaluable. Obrigada barak mestre!

Thankyou especially to my supervisor Associate Professor Carolyn Oldham for her guidance, ideas and
patience from both across the world and close to home. Also to Maia Williams for her help and GIS
expertise and Frank Horowitz who’s enthusiasm to help in all geological capacities was incredible.

I would also like to acknowledge the enthusiasm, support and advice for this project provided by the
following people from EWB-AUS:
(cid:131) Kymberley Greenwood, Timor-Leste Project Co-ordinator;
(cid:131) Kim Axworthy, EWB-WA Chapter President;
(cid:131) Stewart Davies, EWB-AUS National Director of Projects;
(cid:131) Colin Cockroft, WA Director of Projects;
(cid:131) Natalie Young, in-country EWB member;
(cid:131) Jerome Bowen; and
(cid:131) The general EWB-WA committee members and chapter.

Finally, thankyou to my wonderful family and friends for their love, support and advice throughout the
year.

Obrigada Barak!!
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Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms
AusAID: Australian Agency for International development
AVI: Australian Volunteers International
CWSSP: Community Water Supply and Sanitation Program
DNAS: National Directorate for Water and Sanitation
EWB-AUS: Engineers Without Borders Australia
MDGs: Millennium Development Goals
NDP: National Development Plan
NGO: Non-Government Organisation
UNTL: National University of Timor-Leste
UN: United Nations
UNCT: United Nations Country Team
UWA: University of Western Australia
VIP: Ventilated Improved Pit
WHO: World Health Organisation

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT I
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS III
GLOSSARY OF TERMS V
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF FIGURES X
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1
1.2 PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2
1.3 APPROACH 3
1.4 DISSERTATION SYNOPSIS 3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND BACKGROUND 5
2.1 TIMOR-LESTE 5
2.1.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 5
2.1.2 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 6
2.1.3 THE CURRENT SITUATION 7
2.2 KEY INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES 9
2.2.1 STAKEHOLDERS AND INFORMATION FLOW 9
2.2.2 CAPACITY BUILDING 11
2.2.3 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 12
2.2.4 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 14
2.2.5 ISSUES AND LESSONS LEARNED 15
2.3 THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS 17
2.3.1 TIMOR-LESTE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 18
2.3.2 WATER AND SANITATION PROJECTS AND THE MDGS 19
2.3.3 ACHIEVING TIMOR-LESTE’S TARGETS 21
2.4 SANITATION 23
2.4.1 HYGIENE EDUCATION PROGRAMS 24
2.4.2 THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF SANITATION 25
2.5 LATRINES 28
2.5.1 CHOOSING APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY 29
2.5.2 THE ADOPTION OF LATRINES 29
2.5.3 WATER BORNE AND DRY SANITATION 31
2.5.4 COMPOSTING AND ECOLOGICAL SANITATION 32
2.5.5 REMOVAL OF PATHOGENS THROUGH COMPOSTING 35

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