Assessment of current public sanitation status and demand calculation to enhance public sanitation facilities in an urban town: A study from Kegalle,Sri Lanka

Abstract

Urban sanitation demands prior consideration in a developing city with tourists’ destinations. As Kegalle town attracts many local and foreign visitors, it is vital to maintain proper quality sanitation. Therefore, the present study focused on the assessment of status and demand calculation of public sanitation in Kegalle township as a baseline. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted using random sampling technique to assess current sanitation status and public view, while direct interviews of key informants and focus group discussions with public health section of Kegalle Urban Council (UC) were conducted to evaluate the demand analysis for improvement of public sanitation. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel 2013 software to compare the responses in graphical presentations. Five major public toilets were examined under the authority of Kegalle UC. According to the total respondents (n=115) interviewed, (56.6%) were regular users and the rest were using public toilets rarely or not using. Among the users 59.3% were men while 40.7% were women. 94% of respondents stated that uncleanliness, bad odor and low safety as the main issues associated with public toilets, while (6%) stated no reasons for refusing the public toilets. Majority (86.9%) showed that, they are unsatisfied with criteria like existing uncleanliness in cleaning process, water supply in toilets, proximity and security in available public toilets in Kegalle town area. 60.2% stated that, the existing public toilet complexes do not meet the standards with poor or very poor sanitation quality. 81.4% responded that the available toilets are insufficient. 71.4 % clearly mentioned that there is a necessity for the construction of new public toilet complexes close to the bus stops and common shopping market in Kegalle town. As the sanitation preferences, 50% ensured that their preference is on squatting pans over commodes (43.9%) and other modes. In the demand calculation, a total of 175,200 users were recorded per year and 480 average number of users per day, which conclusively revealed a demanding need for a new latrine complex to enhance and ensure the sanitation facilities in Kegalle town. Uncleanliness raised due to improper solid waste management practices, bad odor, insufficiency in water supply, insecurity and charges were the main issues associated with present toilets in Kegalle area. Additionally, installation of CCTV cameras for the safety, intense cleaning at peak hours and awareness on proper sanitary and hygiene practices through a display were proposed.