Identification of feasible sanitation concepts and services

Introduction

The overall objective of this step is to reach a decision about the most suitable sanitation system(s), by considering technical and non-technical issues.  Additionally, the outcomes of Step 3 are considered thus creating a list of the most feasible sanitation options. The process leading to the choice of the most appropriate sanitation system includes the identification of sanitation alternatives and a decision making process. The latter results in the agreement on the option(s) considered most appropriate for the project area.

First of all, the planners, consultants and other stakeholders should gather together all the information that has been generated concerning the various sanitation system options, which are technically suitable for the implementation in the project area. The options should be characterised by their technical, financial, institutional and social feasibility, as well as the impact on the environment. The technical components shall incorporate components and services for all flow-streams in the various processing steps. Special emphasis shall be laid on realistic assessment of Operation and Maintenance requirements (material, personnel, costs), taking into account the local framework conditions.

As soon as these options, including a well arranged comparison are available, a participatory decision making process can be started. The various stakeholders will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss, propose modifications and give feedback to the options. Information revealed during such workshops shall be reflected in an adapted design of the various system alternatives.

After the participatory decision-making process, the various sanitation options should be ranked reflecting the decision-makers’ priorities for every single criterion (or group of criteria). This ranking process will result in one or several systems, which is (are) considered most appropriate for the project area.

What is needed to carry out this step?

  • Financial commitment, not only of the agency implementing the process, but also the stakeholders since they will ultimately be responsible for choosing a system which they can afford to operate and maintain.
  • Institutional Capacity: there must be strong technical leadership when the systems are selected and explained to the community. The community must be clear about what they can expect, and the experts must be capable of choosing environmentally and technically feasible systems to present to the community.
  • Logistics: to hold meetings, transport stakeholders to demonstration sites, and hold workshops, there must be meeting rooms, transport, and incentives to attend (meals and/or financial incentives).
  • Willingness to participate in an iterative, sometimes frustrating process; to negotiate with various stakeholders and seek compromise.