Challenges and opportunities of resource oriented sanitation toilets in Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Arba Minch with about 75000 residents is one of the four towns in East Africa selected by ROSA to improve the poor sanitation. Out of the randomly surveyed 404 households in the town 10% use open defecation the rest use substandard pit latrines. The town is characterized by flooding, loose soil and in some place rocky ground unfavourable for latrine construction. ROSA has constructed seven Arborloo, seven urine diversion dry toilets, and five Fausa Alterna toilets for households. It is observed the users are negligent to participate in the operation and maintenance. The major challenges of the toilets includes poor hygiene, poor toilet seat usage, poor storage of excreta, low involvement in the transportation and low willingness to use in their garden (farm) as fertilizer. However, there is big demand for the toilets. Awareness to the public and cooperation along with institutions will realize success.