BackManual 12e The Arbour Latrine ECOSANITATION
The system of latrines has been spread to many places in Africa and has improved sanitation greatly.
There are however ways to improve this further and at the same time reuse the nutrients from the waste.
The Arbour Loo
This is suited for areas where there is enough space. A shallow pit is made, and a light cement slab is placed on top. When the pit is nearly filled up, the latrine is moved to a new place and after filling op with soil a tree is planted in the old pit.
The Alternating Pit Latrine
This system is suited for areas with little available space. Two pits are made, which are used alternatively. When one pit is nearly filled, it is topped up with soil and left for at least one year, while the other pit is used as latrine.
How is ecosanitation different from the traditional latrine:
- shallow pit - 1.2 or 1.5 meter - instead of the deep pits
- the users throw a mixture of soil and ashes on top of the waste every time
- from time to time leaves and other plant rests are thrown into the pit
- the pit is used only one year before moving to a new (arbour loo) or the other (alternating) pit
Advantages:
- the nutrients from the waste are reused
- less risk of contamination of groundwater or surface water because of more shallow pits and faster decontamination
- a valuable compost is produced in the pit, which can be used or sold as safe fertiliser
because of this valuable product more people will build and use latrines
- the arbour loo is does not need handling of the waste and can therefor be used in areas where this is unacceptable
- less flies and less odour because of the added soil and ash
- cheaper than the VIP latrines
- the ventilation system in the VIP latrines can also be added
- in areas with some space papaya trees can be planted after the arbour loo, and thus give income to the family
- can be used in very sandy soils where it is expensive to make deep pits
Disadvantages:
- needs more training
- needs more attention - that it is neither too dry nor flooded since the composting process stops in both cases
Go to Peter Morgan's website - http://aquamor.tripod.com/page2.html
Download Peter Morgans newest manual - The Arbour Loo (PDF file 367 KB, rightclick - save as)
Download a larger version of the alternating pit manual (PDF 1207 KB, rightclick - save as)
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