Assignment Name: Public Toilet Demand Scan and Development of Individual Profiles of Public Toilets in Jashore and Benapole Paurashavas

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: SNV Netherlands Development Organization

The “Public Toilet Demand Scan and Development of Individual Profiles of Public Toilets in Jashore and Benapole Paurashavas” was conducted under the Faecal Sludge Management Programme aimed to address public sanitation challenges by assessing existing facilities, identifying gaps, and proposing future interventions in Jashore and Benapole Paurashavas.

This initiative focused on evaluating the demand for public toilets, considering the urban population’s current and future needs. The study provided a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution, functionality, and user accessibility of public toilets while aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 to ensure equitable sanitation and hygiene access for all.

The study’s key objectives included:

• Assessing the condition, accessibility, and service quality of existing public toilets in both Paurashavas.
• Identifying suitable locations for new public toilets based on locational and demographic analysis.
• Developing individual profiles of public toilets with technical specifications and recommendations for upgrading or new construction.
• Proposing sustainable operational and maintenance (O&M) models to enhance service delivery.

Through this initiative, the findings informed long-term planning and investment in public sanitation infrastructure to improve quality of life, health, and environmental conditions in Jashore and Benapole.

DM WATCH conducted the following activities to accomplish the assignment:

Project Inception and Planning:

• Conducted inception meetings with SNV and municipal stakeholders to finalize objectives, methodologies, and deliverables for both Paurashavas.
• Developed a comprehensive work plan, including schedules for field visits, data collection, and stakeholder consultations.

Desk Review and Policy Analysis:

• Reviewed relevant policies, including the Paurashava Act (2009), National Strategy for Water Supply and Sanitation (2014), and design standards under the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC).
• Identified gaps in existing policies related to gender equity, accessibility, and public toilet management.

Primary Data Collection:

• Conducted field surveys and physical inspections of public toilets in Jashore (14 facilities) and Benapole (10 facilities) to assess functionality, hygiene, and infrastructure quality.
• Facilitated Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders, including municipal officials, caretakers, and community representatives, to gather qualitative insights on public toilet usage and management challenges.
• Collected spatial data for GIS mapping to assess locational suitability for new facilities.

Demand and Gap Analysis:

• Analyzed socio-economic, demographic, and mobility patterns to project current and future demand for public toilets.
• Evaluated accessibility issues, especially for women, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities, using feedback from users and observational data.

GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis:

• Mapped the locations of existing public toilets and filling station toilets, identifying gaps in coverage and accessibility.
• Used locational suitability analysis to propose priority sites for new facilities based on factors such as population density, land availability, and user demand.

Development of Individual Toilet Profiles:

• Prepared detailed profiles for each public toilet, including assessments of condition, required upgrades, and design specifications.
• Integrated findings into individual reports with recommendations for maintenance, operational improvements, and new construction designs.

Operational and Maintenance Models:

• Proposed business models for sustainable operations and maintenance (O&M), emphasizing public-private partnerships, user fee structures, and accountability mechanisms.
• Recommended capacity-building initiatives for municipal authorities to improve monitoring and service delivery.

Stakeholder Validation and Reporting:

• Conducted validation workshops with local government officials and community representatives to present findings and gather feedback.
• Delivered final reports for both Paurashavas, including GIS maps, technical designs, and actionable recommendations for improving public toilet services.

Dissemination and Advocacy:

• Organized dissemination workshops to share findings with stakeholders, including SNV, local governments, and development partners.
• Provided advocacy materials and policy briefs to support future public sanitation initiatives in Jashore and Benapole.

This project provided critical insights into the challenges and opportunities in public sanitation infrastructure in Jashore and Benapole. The actionable recommendations and sustainable models proposed in the study aim to enhance sanitation service delivery, improve user satisfaction, and ensure alignment with urban development goals and SDGs.