In June and July
2013, Janis Koknevics conducted interviews in three separate districts (Paschim
(West) Champaran, Saharsa, and Khagaria) in the state of Bihar, in India,
investigating the sustainability of ecosan units promoted and installed by Megh
Pyne Abhiyan (MPA) an NGO associated with SATNET Asia.
A village in the
Khagaria district was the last study site for Mr. Koknevics, located in a
district surrounded by large river systems, which lead to regular floods, loss
of property and life. In this village, MPA installed 40 ecosan units, and a total
of 24 households were interviewed. The majority of ecosan units observed where
built with a brick/cement sub-structure and bamboo/mud super-structure while three
units were fully brick/cement built. Several supplementary or temporarily
unused units were utilized for storage of corn stalks, water filters, and straw
bundles or for drying clothes.
Ecosan users
stated benefits of saving one to three hours/day not having to go for open
defecation, using that time for household chores, cooking and relaxing. Safety
of the family was noted as being very important and regular access to the
ecosan as beneficial, especially during sickness and monsoon. Six households
stated having used urine at least once for their crops, and observing greener,
stronger crops.
Issues observed
and reported by respondents were broken water pipes, the presence of water in
the excreta chambers (leading to bad smell), blocked urine pipes, and erosion
of the soil supporting the structures.
In conclusion, the
technology does provide security, saves time, reduces fertilizer costs and
increases hygiene awareness in the households that have adopted it. Also, training
adopters on the use and maintenance of the units is necessary for long term
use. Mr Koknevics believes it is a suitable technology if an awareness program
goes hand in hand with the implementation of this technology.
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