Sustainability and community support

As the Chairman explains, "this is a new thing for us and is a sensitive issue for the community so we take it very seriously". At each monthly UP meeting there is a standing agenda for the latrine and issues are discussed and resolved by consensus with participation from BMC and BA members. With HYSAWA Fund support the Union Parishad and existing Bazaar management entities have demonstrated the capacity to plan, design, implement and monitor development works, as per their operational mandate. As the Chairman says, the latrine is a "No-Loss No Profit" project. He sees the latrine as part of the overall development of Roghanuthpor Union, and hopes the money collected from users will ultimately finance the construction of another latrine as the market expands.

Now in operations for 10 months, acceptance and use by the community is going well. A crowd has gathered around us. When asked what they think of the latrine, the response is resounding: "Bhalo Kaj" – "Good Work".