It is not that hard to build community toilets

CHENNAI: A solution for the problem of lack of toilets could perhaps be found by following the example of Exnora Trichy community toilet model. In this sustainable model, users pay 50 paisa to use the ‘lowmaintenance’ community toilets said V Ganapathy, former journalist and advisor to Trichy District Exnora. The Trichy community toilet model with DEWATS ( Decentralised system of waste water management) that came into existence in East Devadanam in Trichy six years ago due to sustained efforts of BORDA (Bremen Overseas Research and Development organization), Exnora, Trichy city Corporation and other NGOs is now maintained by self-help women groups. The waste-water processing system does not use power or chemicals.It comprises an anaerobic baffle reactor where ‘friendly bacteria’ digest the solid waste and produce biogas used for lighting lamps in the toilet, while the waste water is processed and drained into a planted gravel system.This purified water is then used for the cultivation of vegetables from which the women self help group earn Rs 3000 to 4000 per year. The 85 community toilets, which are open from 4 am to 12 pm, are now used by 450 people, added Ganapathy.On the feasibility of implementing the model in the city, Ganapathy said that the construction and operational maintenance is of great importance to the functioning of these forprofit community toilet models, hence it would be realistic solution if committed self help groups take up responsibility for the toilets.