Waste management methods

[yin]

We're looking into ways in which we can adapt existing sanitation technologies (pit latrines) into systems which can be used in the long term.

For example (adapting a wetland into a pit latrine 1 week after a disaster camp has been set up). A wetland is capable of handling an adaptable volume and uses a combination of physical and biological processes...but may not be applicable in a flood.

Any suggestions?

[nem isis]

I suggest going to a humanitarian emergency to see what conditions are like. 1 week after the strike of a disaster (assuming we are talking about ones of sudden onset) things can still be very confusing and agencies are still trying to get their act together to provide the most basic of services. A wetland system probably takes time to "mature"... so perhaps not a very appropriate solution for an emergency scenario. Besides, there can be space constraints. How will you built a wetland in an urban scenario.

[davidvick]

with regard to the urban question, the project is just concentrating on rural areas (for the moment anyway), but that is clearly something we will need to address eventually.

[yin]

Very true, but does not have to be within a week. This is assuming that at one point (perhaps as part of the exit strategy) this can be implemented.

[afshin]

I completely agree with the comment stating that one week is not enough.

I think wetlands or other methods can and should only be considered in the reconstruction phase. Although if the method/technology is going to be quite new to the the local residents, their rights must be respected in the first place (stakeholders engagement only means something when situation is back to normal or similar as it was before.)

there might be many issues regarding to the land land reclamation for the wetlands which even not considering an after disaster case, it can take a long time according to local laws and regulations.