Assignment Name: Public Toilet Demand Scan and Development of Individual Profiles of Public Toilets in Kushtia and Jhenaidah Paurashavas

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: SNV Netherlands Development Organization

The “Public Toilet Demand Scan and Development of Individual Profile of Public Toilets in Kushtia and Jhenaidah Paurashavas” was carried out under the Faecal Sludge Management Programme supported by SNV Netherlands Development Organization. This project, funded by the Dutch Government (DGIS), aimed to address critical gaps in public sanitation infrastructure and service delivery by assessing the current status of public toilets and identifying future demand in Kushtia and Jhenaidah Paurashavas.

The initiative’s overarching goal was to enhance urban sanitation services and improve quality of life, focusing on accessibility, hygiene, and sustainability. The study targeted diverse urban populations, including women, children, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and transient laborers, to ensure inclusivity in public sanitation planning.

Key objectives of the study included:

• Assessing the current condition and functionality of public toilets.
• Identifying optimal locations for new public toilets based on spatial and demographic analysis.
• Evaluating public perceptions and usage patterns, emphasizing gender and socio-economic dimensions.
• Developing technical designs and recommendations for upgrading and constructing public toilets.
• Formulating strategies for sustainable operation, maintenance, and management of public toilet facilities.

The study incorporated GIS mapping, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and policy reviews to ensure evidence-based recommendations. It emphasized stakeholder engagement, aligning project outcomes with local government priorities and urban development strategies.

DM WATCH’s involvement in the project encompassed a broad range of activities, tailored to ensure the project’s success:

Project Inception and Planning:

• Conducted inception meetings with SNV and municipal authorities to align on project objectives and deliverables.
• Prepared a comprehensive work plan outlining methodologies, timelines, and responsibilities.

Desk Research and Policy Analysis:

• Reviewed national policies and standards, including the Paurashava Act (2009), National Strategy for Water Supply and Sanitation (2014), and Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC).
• Analyzed global best practices in public toilet design, operation, and maintenance.

Primary Data Collection:

• Conducted physical assessments of all existing public toilets in Kushtia and Jhenaidah Paurashavas, documenting their condition, accessibility, and service levels.
• Facilitated Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with municipal officials, community members, and local stakeholders to capture diverse perspectives.
• Administered surveys to public toilet users and non-users to understand usage patterns, satisfaction levels, and barriers.

GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis:

• Mapped existing public toilet locations and analyzed their proximity to major road networks, markets, bus terminals, and densely populated areas.
• Identified and prioritized suitable locations for new public toilet construction based on demographic and spatial data.

Data Analysis and Synthesis:

• Processed qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends in public toilet usage, maintenance challenges, and community needs.
• Used suitability analysis models to propose optimal locations for new facilities, considering factors like land availability and accessibility.

Development of Technical Designs and Profiles:

• Prepared individual profiles for each existing public toilet, detailing their current status, required upgrades, and recommendations for improvement.
• Developed technical designs and Bill of Quantities (BoQs) for upgrading and constructing public toilets, ensuring compliance with BNBC standards and inclusive design principles.

Stakeholder Engagement and Validation:

• Organized validation workshops with local government officials, SNV representatives, and community stakeholders to present findings and gather feedback.
• Collaborated with municipal authorities to align recommendations with local sanitation plans and budgets.

Formulation of Management and Business Models:

• Proposed business models for sustainable operation and maintenance (O&M) of public toilets, emphasizing accountability, revenue generation, and private sector engagement.
• Provided actionable strategies for addressing issues such as land availability, sub-leasing, and user fee structures.

Reporting and Dissemination:

• Delivered comprehensive final reports for Kushtia and Jhenaidah Paurashavas, including GIS maps, technical designs, and policy recommendations.
• Shared project outcomes through dissemination workshops to inform future urban sanitation initiatives.

This project significantly contributed to addressing public sanitation challenges in Kushtia and Jhenaidah by providing data-driven insights and actionable solutions. The findings and recommendations are expected to guide sustainable sanitation planning and infrastructure development in these urban areas.