What are the most common mistakes when implementing sustainable sanitation practices?

2 Poor design

Another common mistake is to design sanitation systems that are not functional, durable, or adaptable to changing conditions. For instance, a system that does not account for the variability of rainfall, temperature, or waste generation may fail to perform adequately or cause environmental problems such as overflow, leakage, or odor. A system that does not match the user behavior, expectations, or maintenance capacity may result in low acceptance, misuse, or abandonment. A system that does not allow for future expansion, modification, or integration with other services may become obsolete or incompatible. A good design should be based on sound technical, social, and environmental criteria and incorporate feedback loops and monitoring mechanisms.

3 Insufficient funding

A third common mistake is to underestimate the costs and financial sustainability of sanitation projects. Many initiatives focus on the initial investment and construction costs, but neglect the long-term operation and maintenance costs, which can be significant and recurrent. Moreover, many projects rely on external donors or subsidies, but do not secure adequate and stable sources of revenue or income to cover the ongoing expenses. This can lead to poor service quality, deterioration, or collapse of the systems. A realistic and transparent budgeting and financing plan should be developed and implemented, taking into account the full life cycle costs and benefits of sanitation and exploring various options for cost recovery and value creation.

4 Inadequate training

A fourth common mistake is to overlook the importance of training and capacity building for the successful implementation and management of sanitation systems. Many projects assume that the users and operators will automatically adopt and maintain the new technologies and practices, but this is often not the case. Without proper training and education, people may lack the knowledge, skills, or motivation to use, operate, or maintain the systems correctly and safely. This can result in low efficiency, high risk of failure, or health hazards. A comprehensive and continuous training and capacity building program should be provided and tailored to the different levels and roles of the users and operators, covering technical, operational, and behavioral aspects.

5 Weak governance

A fifth common mistake is to ignore the role of governance and institutions in enabling and regulating sanitation services. Many projects operate in isolation or in parallel to the existing legal, institutional, and policy frameworks, which can create conflicts, gaps, or overlaps in roles and responsibilities. For example, a project may introduce a new sanitation technology, but not coordinate with the local authorities or service providers who are in charge of the waste management or water supply. This can result in confusion, duplication, or contradiction of standards, norms, or incentives. A strong and coherent governance and institutional framework should be established and aligned with the national and local policies and regulations, as well as the interests and expectations of the users and service providers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?