KAP Survey on Faecal Sludge Management

-Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

Globally, 4.2 billion people still live without "safely managed sanitation" and around 673 million people practice open defecation. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to achieve sanitation for all and end open defecation.

Aligning with an aim of SDG 6, Government of Nepal have declared Nepal as Open Defecation Free (ODF) nation on September 30, 2019 making the first ODF nation in South Aisa. However, safely managed sanitation remains a challenge after the declaration. Despite having latrines in each household (HHs) of Nepal, generated faecal sludge and its safe disposal has yet to come in concern for all.

To assess the public understanding on Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), ENPHO and Paschim Paaila conducted Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey on 16 and 17 November, 2019 in Kathmandu Valley. Data from 1091 random pedestrians was collected from Ratnapark, Lagankhel and Suryabinayak in Kathmandu Valley.

51 percent of the responsents said that they have knowledge on FSM. Amongst them, 84 percent said that they know about the impact of Faecal Sludge (FS) on health, 11 percent were unsure and 4 percent were unaware about its health impact. Likewise, amongst the respondents having knowledge on FSM, 78 percent said that FS can be treated, and 83 percent are willing to pay for treatment of FS.

Furthermore, 73 percent of the total respondents have knowledge that FS are being disposed into the river for its management.

Additionally, 64 percent respondent had connection of their toilet with the sewerage line while 35 percent had the septic tanks and remaining 1 percent had other containments such as pit and biogas production system within their household. Amongst the septic tank users have not emptied the septic tank since its use.

While safe collection and proper treatment of faecal sludge is crucial, it is equally vital to create public awareness and capacitate local service providers to increase safe practice of faecal sludge management. This study indicates that still clear understanding on FSM including local capacity building on proper faecal sludge management, its regulation and monitoring are essential so as to support and improve existing FSM practice in the community.