Barriers to shared sanitation cleaning and maintenance in Kampala Slums, Uganda

While shared sanitation is the most viable sanitation option for slums, evidence shows that slum sanitation facilities are poorly used, not properly cleaned and poorly maintained. A cleaning observation was undertaken among households sharing latrines in Kampala slums over a period of six months. Results showed that non-compliance with cleaning schedules, many users, defaulting on shared cleaning commitments, abuse of user fees, dirty and unpaved surroundings, lack of water and cleaning materials; slum house owners and tenants wanting more rent and cheap housing respectively with none having interest in sustainable sanitation are key barriers in shared sanitation cleaning. Sustainable sanitation implies; affordability, improved welfare, poverty alleviation, shared values, norms, regulation and enforcement as well as improved service delivery. This paper explores barriers to effective shared latrine cleaning and maintenance in slums of Kampala city.