The soul is willing but ... : Exploring Community Sanitation Preferences for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Sanitation has been" identified as an essential aspect of development as it
affects the quality of life and productivity of the population. But sanitation
facilities are only sustainable when people make their own choices and
contribution towards obtaining and maintaining them. This paper therefore
examines sanitation preferences of residents of Efutu, a peri-urban
settlement in the Central Region of Ghana. Using a descriptive design, data
were collected from 154 randomly-selected households using
questionnaires, focus group discussions and observation. It was found out
that 65% of the respondents mentioned the household water closet (Ti'C) as
their most preferred toilet facility, though 58% presently use Kumasi
ventilated improved pit (KVIP) public toilets. Least handling of excreta,
convenience, security and avoidance of smell represent some of the ve1y
important factors that determine respondents' choice of a particular
sanitation facility. Additionally, 78% of the respondents wanted their toilet
facility to be sited in the house, mainly due to convenience/conifort and the
security associated with an in-house toilet facility. The study recommends
that since the majority of the people use KVJP public toilets, it will be easie1~
through community consultation, to introduce ecological sanitation, a more
sustainable and ecologically friendly sanitation system, in the community.