No flash in the pan: How pour flush toilets are driving away SA's sanitation backlog

Abstract

Sanitation While the ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilet has become symbolic of basic sanitation in South Africa, with millions of these units being constructed all over the country in the last 20 years, it is the flush toilet that most South Africans aspire to. A new technology developed with funding from the Water Research Commission (WRC) aims to bridge this gap on the sanitation ladder while restoring dignity, privacy and safety to people who have been left behind in the drive towards basic services for all. Article by Lani van Vuuren. I n South Africa, waterborne sanitation is often perceived as a standard representing the equality and dignity to which people aspire – the top of the sanitation ladder. However, considering the cost of constructing such infrastructure for every person and the fact that South Africa is a waterscarce country, providing everyone with a flush toilet is neither attainable nor desirable. So the humble VIP toilet has become the symbol of basic sanitation in South Africa.

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