ISSN 1818-5614
Practical training in sustainable
sanitation for Tuvalu
By Leonie Crennan
IWP-Pacific Technical Report (International
Waters Project) no. 50
Global
United
Nations
Pacific
Regional
Environment
Development
Environment
Facility
Programme
Programme
SPREP IRC Cataloguing-in-Publication data
Crennan, Leonie
Practical training in sustainable sanitation for Tuvalu /
by Leonie Crennan. Apia, Samoa : SPREP, 2007.
vi, 41 p.; 29 cm. - (IWP-Pacific Technical report, ISSN
1818-5614 ; no.50).
ISBN: 978-982-04-0373-4
1. Sanitation, Household Tuvalu. 2. Sanitation - Domestic
engineering Tuvalu. 3. Sanitation, Rural Tuvalu. 4.
Sanitation Environmental health Tuvalu. 5. Sanitation
Sustainable methods Tuvalu. I. International Waters Project
(IWP). II. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment
Programme (SPREP). III. Title. IV. Series.
363.72 7
This report was produced by SPREP's International Waters Project (IWP), which is
implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the International Waters of the Pacific
Small Island Developing States, with funding from the Global Environment Facility. This
study was funded by IWP.
The views expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the publisher.
Cover design by SPREP's Publication Unit
Editing and layout: Mark Smaalders, IWP editorial consultant
SPREP
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© Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, 2007
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SPREP authorises the partial reproduction of this material for scientific, educational or
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Original SPREP artwork may not be altered or separately published without permission.
ii
Contents
Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................... v
Abbreviations............................................................................................................................ vi
Executive summary ................................................................................................................... 1
1
Background and introduction.......................................................................................... 2
1.1 The International Waters Project (IWP)............................................................................ 2
1.2 International Waters Project in Tuvalu.............................................................................. 2
1.3 Communications and Sanitation Training Programme ..................................................... 3
1.4 Duration of the work ......................................................................................................... 3
2
Review of relevant reports................................................................................................ 3
2.1 IWP Tuvalu Baseline Assessment Report 2004................................................................ 3
2.2 Solutions Report: Waste Management, Pollution Prevention and Improved Sanitation in
Tuvalu...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Vulnerability and Adaptation Project: Tuvalu Water Management Activity.................... 4
2.4 Economics of Liquid Waste Management in Funafuti, Tuvalu: Cost Benefit Analysis ... 5
3
Preparations for training in sustainable sanitation ....................................................... 7
3.1 Pre-training preparations ................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Input to communications strategy ..................................................................................... 7
3.3 Selection of participants for the sustainable sanitation training...................................... 10
3.4 Selection of a site for the toilet construction ................................................................... 11
3.5 Certification of the training ............................................................................................. 11
3.6 Building materials ........................................................................................................... 12
3.7 Training agenda............................................................................................................... 12
4
Content and structure of the sanitation training ......................................................... 13
4.1 Daily process and content of Funafuti training ............................................................... 13
4.2 Evaluation of training...................................................................................................... 22
5
Community-based water quality monitoring ............................................................... 23
5.1 Water quality workshops and assessments...................................................................... 24
5.2 Trainees testing water supply .......................................................................................... 24
6
Lessons learned ............................................................................................................... 25
6.1 The positive lessons from IWP Tuvalu ........................................................................... 25
6.2 Possible Improvements.................................................................................................... 26
7
Ongoing sustainability .................................................................................................... 27
7.1 Monitoring Requirements................................................................................................ 27
7.2 Nationwide Activities...................................................................................................... 28
8
Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 29
References ................................................................................................................................ 30
iii
Annex A: Summary of Project Developments - March 2005 to October 2006...................32
Annex B: Participants in the Sustainable Sanitation Training............................................34
Annex C: Certificate ................................................................................................................36
Annex D: Training schedule....................................................................................................37
Annex E: Consultant outputs, scope of work, and inputs from IWP Tuvalu.....................40
iv
Acknowledgements
The Practical Training in Sustainable Sanitation was made possible by the trainees who
participated so enthusiastically in a physically demanding schedule, by the International
Waters Project team who organised the logistics, and by the Water and Sanitation Officer from
the Public Works Department, who led the construction work, and by the women who prepared
and served delicious food to us each day. Thanks to you all.
v
Abbreviations
AusAID
Australian Agency for International Development
CSTP
Communications and Sanitation Training Programme
CT
composting
toilet
ET
evapo-transpiration
FSPI
Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International
ISF
Institute for Sustainable Futures
IWP
International
Waters
Project
NC
National
Coordinator
(IWP)
NTF
National
Task
Force
PCU
Project Coordination Unit (IWP)
PPA
Participatory
Problem
Analysis
PWD
Public Works Department (Tuvalu)
SOPAC
Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission
SPREP
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
ST
Supervising
Trainer
TANGO
Tuvalu Association of Non-Government Organisations
TUFHA
Tuvalu Family Health Association
WASH
Water Sanitation and Hygiene
W&S
Water and Sanitation
vi
Executive summary
Under the International Waters Project (IWP) in Tuvalu, a pilot project was established to address
"waste" with the aim of reducing the contamination of groundwater and coastal water by human
and animal waste.
Community-based activities included "low-tech" solutions to addressing environmental
degradation while national level activities involved activities with a more strategic institutional
focus. A Communications and Sanitation Training Programme was designed to investigate the
current understanding of poor sanitation in Tuvalu, raise awareness of its cost to public and
environmental health, and promote possible solutions
The Supervising Trainer (ST) was required to identify appropriate inputs to the Community
Communications Programme, which would include use of media such radio, video theatre, music,
and competitions. The Communications Programme was implemented by the National Coordinator
and the National Task Force. In consultation with the National Coordinator and the National Task
Force, the ST designed and delivered a practical training on appropriate sanitation systems in
Funafuti and supervised the establishment of an on-site sanitation system, as a demonstration
within the pilot community.
Preparations for the training included the review of relevant literature and reports such as the
Baseline Assessment report (IWP Tuvalu 2004), the Solutions Report (Crennan 2004), the
Vulnerability and Adaptation Project paper (Hay and Sem 2000), the costbenefit analysis
undertaken for Tuvalu (Lal et al. 2006) and other technical documents investigating the status of
water supply and sanitation in Tuvalu produced over the last 15 years.
Preparations for the training began in March 2005. The "hands-on" training in sustainable
sanitation was conducted from October 623, 2006, in Funafuti. Attendees included personnel
from: government departments, non-government organisations, the private sector, and the
communities, as wells as team members from IWP. Government personnel from Kiribati were also
invited to attend. The training included an examination of the invisible threats to public and
environmental health from inadequate management of human excreta, and compared the design
and maintenance requirements of a range of common sewage treatment technologies. Construction
of a waterless composting toilet was led by the Water and Sanitation Officer from the Public Works
Department, and all the trainees assisted with the required masonry, plumbing, and carpentry. The
trainees expressed satisfaction in acquiring new technical skills and theoretical knowledge and
intended to pass the information on to their home communities. Some trainees volunteered to
promote the waterless composting toilets to the wider Tuvalu community. The representatives from
Kiribati have developed a proposal to have a similar training in Kiribati.
The IWP team for Tuvalu recognised that a staged approach would be required to move from initial
awareness of the problem, to the development of appropriate solutions, and then on to sustained
behaviour change. The community communications campaign and sanitation training were
conducted in 2006. Due to the termination of the Project at the end of 2006 the sustained behaviour
change will need to be achieved through ongoing activities supported by government, with possible
co-funding from programmes that support integrated water resources management, including
planning and regulation. Monitoring of the use and performance of the demonstration toilet will
also be required for at least two years. It is recommended that the skills and capacity that have been
developed during IWP be utilised to establish sustainable sanitation in Tuvalu.
1
1
Background and introduction
1.1 The International Waters Project (IWP)
The Strategic Action Programme for the International Waters of the Pacific Small Island
Developing States involved 14 participating Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, Federated
States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
IWP was designed to address the root causes of degradation in Pacific Island international
waters. It intended to do this through the use of regionally consistent, country-driven, targeted
actions that integrate development and environment needs (GEF/UNDP 1999). IWP has two
main components: (i) an oceanic component that focuses on the management and conservation
of tuna stocks in the western central Pacific and (ii) a coastal component that focuses on
integrated coastal watershed management. This report refers to activities for IWP's coastal
component only.
The coastal component aimed at national and community-level actions to address priority
environmental concerns relating to:
· marine and freshwater quality;
· habitat modification and degradation; and
· unsustainable use of living marine resources.
To address these concerns at the local level, the IWP supported the establishment of pilot or
demonstration projects in each of the 14 participating countries. Each community-based pilot
project intended to address the root causes of degradation affecting marine protected areas,
coastal fisheries, freshwater resources and/or waste reduction.
Community-based activities included "low-tech" solutions to addressing environmental
degradation, while national level activities involved activities that have a broader or more
strategic focus.
1.2 International Waters Project in Tuvalu
Under the IWP in Tuvalu, a pilot project was established to address "waste", with the aim of
reducing the contamination of groundwater and coastal water by human and animal waste. The
communities of Alapi and Senala on Funafuti Atoll are supporting IWP activities to provide a
case study for addressing these sanitation issues more generally across the country.
To support the work of IWP Tuvalu, the project developed an integrated Communications and
Sanitation Training Programme (CSTP). This programme was intended to:
· promote effective sanitation as a priority in the community and the government;
· show local residents and national stakeholders what options are available to them
in terms of designing, building, operating, and maintaining safe sanitation
systems in their communities;
· encourage appropriate resources to be allocated at the community and
institutional levels towards the development of safe sanitation systems; and
· support efforts for the on-going sustainable management of effective sanitation
systems beyond the completion of the International Waters Project in December
2006.
This Programme was developed on the assumption that a fully reticulated and centralised
wastewater treatment system is beyond the financial, human and technical resources currently
2
available to the people of Tuvalu. This assumption was supported by the cost benefit analysis
conducted in Tuvalu in 20052006 with the support of IWP, the Secretariat of the Pacific
Regional Environment Programme, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (Lal et al. 2006)
and by previous technical studies conducted over the last fifteen years (White 2005, Falkland
1999, van Putten 1988)
1.3 Communications and Sanitation Training Programme
The CSTP was comprised of five activities that (a) promoted awareness of the problem, (b)
developed appropriate solutions, and (c) supported sustained behaviour change within
Funafuti. The initial elements involved design and implementation of a:
(i) Community Communications Programme (including audience research);
(ii) Sanitation Training Workshop;
(iii) Groundwater Monitoring Programme;
(iv) Funding/Financing Options Workshop; and an
(v) Institutional Strengthening Strategy.
The objective of the activities described in this report was to support the work of the Tuvalu
IWP CSTP via contributions to, and implementation of, items (i) to (iii). At the time of the
agreement in March 2005 between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment
Programme (SPREP) and the consultant (i.e. the Supervising Trainer, or ST) it was planned
that items (iv) and (v) would be addressed in future work, yet to be designed. See Annex E for
additional details regarding the scope of work and agreed outputs.
1.4 Duration of the work
The work commenced in March 2005 with input to development of the communications
strategy, and preparation for the sanitation training, which was scheduled for June 2005. The
training was postponed until October 2006 while other activities were undertaken. Annex A
provides a summary of developments between March 2005 and October 2006; these
developments are discussed in detail Section 3 of this report.
2
Review of relevant reports
A series of reports and publications were reviewed in preparation for the Sanitation Training
Worksop; see References section for details. Extracts and summaries of a selected number of
these reports are provided below, as they have particular relevance to the approach taken in
development of the training workshop.
2.1 IWP Tuvalu Baseline Assessment Report 2004
A Participatory Problem Analysis (PPA) workshop was held with local community
stakeholders in December 2003 (see IWP Tuvalu 2004). Participants identified some root
causes associated with waste in the community, which included:
· limited financial resources and technical support available to households to install
and maintain environmentally sound wastewater treatment systems;
· limited types of wastewater treatment systems available to the community;
· a lack of knowledge and awareness on the part of people within the community
regarding the environmental impacts of unmanaged wastewater on surrounding
marine and freshwater quality; and
· a lack of legislation and enforcement in relation to waste.
3
In order to further understand and quantify the extent of these root causes and to consider the
identification of solutions, the IWP conducted baseline assessment work during AprilMay
2004. The assessment considered, among other topics:
· existing wastewater treatment systems in the community (including seepage data);
· waste stream and waste characterization;
· community social structure and governance systems;
· government and community waste services and roles, including policy and
institutional arrangements for waste management;
· testing and general observation of the groundwater in the area; and
· assessment of waste issues in local school curricula.
2.2 Solutions Report: Waste Management, Pollution Prevention and
Improved Sanitation in Tuvalu
In October 2004 the author undertook a one week field visit to Funafuti to review work
conducted by the IWP National Coordinator (NC) and Task Force up to that time, and to
support the identification of possible low-cost or no-cost options that could be piloted, with
support from the IWP, in the communities of Alapi and Senala (see Crennan 2004). These
options were intended to address root causes of pollution impacting marine and freshwater
quality. The solutions identified reflected (i) technological solutions (ii) relevant behavioural
change campaigns and (iii) institutional and capacity building solutions required to ensure the
sustainability of change. Institutional or individual capacity building required to support
implementation was also identified.
Recommended activities included:
1. A short-term communications campaign to raise awareness of the urgency of the issue
within the communities and with government decision-makers.
2. Training in design, construction, operation and maintenance of on-site sanitation systems.
An interactive community training workshop could help participants compare a range of
practices and technologies such as: using the ocean beach for defecation; upgrading
existing septic tanks systems; installing composting toilets; and using composted animal
and human excreta as a soil improver.
3. A community-run groundwater monitoring exercise that could demonstrate the need for
improved waste management. The sanitation and water quality training could provide
practical skills and comprehensive knowledge about health and environmental risks and
benefits so that people can make informed decisions about water supply and pollution
prevention, and take the necessary steps towards implementation.
Source: Crennan 2004.
The Solutions Report is referred to throughout this report to indicate how the original concept
for the practical sanitation training was conceived, and how it differed in the final
implementation.
2.3 Vulnerability and Adaptation Project: Tuvalu Water Management
Activity
The recommendations of the Vulnerability and Adaptation Project (White 2005) support the
activities undertaken by the IWP Communications Strategy and the Sustainable Sanitation
Training, and emphasise the urgency required to address water supply and sanitation
challenges in a comprehensive and integrated manner at both the national and household level.
An extract from the conclusions of this report follows:
4
Studies over the past 15 years in Tuvalu have revealed some continuing concerns in the
water sector. These are:
· the failure to formalise the Draft Water Resources and Sanitation Management Bill
and the Draft Tuvalu Water and Sanitation Plan;
· incomplete knowledge on water resources;
· large demand relative to storage;
· demand for delivered (government) water starts directly after a week of no rain;
· average demand in Funafuti appears slightly higher than the estimated average yield
of rainwater storage;
· average per household storage is about 40% of that required for a 1 in 11 year failure
rate;
· the limited use of groundwater, which in some islands appears a substantial resource;
and
· Water use by freshwater-flushed toilets and leakage from septic tanks and pit
latrines.
Together these suggest that Tuvalu is extremely vulnerable to climate variability and that
adaptation is currently difficult. The priorities for the water sector in Tuvalu follow directly
from these concerns:
1. Establish a sound institutional basis for the management of water and sanitation
(policy, regulations, incentives, plans, organisational reform and responsibilities).
2. Increase capacity to manage water and sanitation and predict water related extreme
events (household and community).
3. Improve knowledge of available water resources, demand and prediction of extreme
events.
4. Improve water conservation and demand management strategies.
5. Increase household and communal rainwater storage.
6. Increase the use of groundwater.
7. Improve sanitation systems.
Source: White 2005.
2.4 Economics of Liquid Waste Management in Funafuti, Tuvalu: Cost
Benefit Analysis
The comprehensive cost benefit analysis (Lal et al. 2006) has proven to be very useful in
designing the communications campaign, understanding the comparative advantages and
disadvantages of a range of sanitation systems and practices, and supporting the promotion of
waterless composting toilets (CTs) in Tuvalu. It adds a new and persuasive dimension to the
arguments for protection of environmental and public health. In short, "money talks".
An extract of the recommendations from this study follows:
Tuvalu faces some real challenges in relation to the management of its human wastes,
Fekau o Tino. Taking a conservative approach, this study estimates that current largely
septic based system of liquid waste management is costing the nation about NZD 500,000 a
year. This estimate is based on partial analysis of the costs of poor sanitation on human
health, the preventative costs incurred by individuals and government in the use of
alternative water, including rainwater tanks, bottled water and desalinated water, as well as
limited costs to the coastal fisheries.
A number of alternative options are available, including fix the current septic system,
establish a centralised reticulated system and ecological sanitation system based on compost
toilets. However, the feasible option(s) available to the government for improving the
sanitation system are constrained by not only the availability of financial resources but also
because of Tuvalu's unique biophysical atoll environment and where the ground water is
within 2 metres of the surface. The choice of alternative system is further constrained by the
5
fact that Tuvalu experiences dry weather for up to 34 months of the year, as well as
extended periods of drought. In addition in periods of rainy season and king tides, much of
the land area is subject to regular flooding.
With such limiting financial and physical environments, ecological sanitation system based on
compost toilet is the only option that is economically viable and does not rely on availability
of water. The annual cost to Funafuti of establishing and maintaining compost system as
part of a new home is even less than the current total cost to human health, preventative
costs and loss in coastal fisheries. Initial capital investment necessary to convert existing
homes to compost toilets is approximately the same as it would take to replace the leaking
septic tanks. Even with a well operating septic tank system, the economic outcome will be
one of negative net economic benefits due largely to the high shadow value of scarce water;
desalinated water is known to be costly through the world because of high energy and
operating costs.
Compost toilet system established using "local" material in Tuvalu has net positive economic
benefits. Despite such economic benefits, social acceptability of the ecological sanitation
system is, however, likely to be slow.
To encourage the adoption of compost toilets, a multi pronged and sequenced program is
needed:
1. Education: A massive education program highlighting the merits of using compost toilets
vis a vis other management options, including the do nothing option is needed. Economic
values estimated in this study could help provide a more focussed and objective quantitative
information that can demonstrate the economic costs of the current system as compared
with the expected net benefits of changing over to the alternative system, including the
savings in freshwater.
2. Develop an integrated liquid waste management plan, involving key stakeholders,
including the Department of Public Work, Local Kaupule, Department of Environment and the
Ministry of Health. Liquid waste management strategy must be linked to the national
budgetary process through the national sustainable development strategy or the Kakega II,
such annual budget allocation explicitly reflects the integrated approach needed to manage
sanitation, water and human health, as well as the environment.
Institutional reforms: In the outcome focussed Plan, it is imperative to establish an
interdepartmental waste management task force. Clearly define roles and responsibilities
of each government organisation involved in waste management, while emphasising the
shared responsibility for the management of liquid wastes in Tuvalu. Each agency must
be adequately resourced and their program of work coordinated and harmonised.
Economic instruments: Adopt economic incentives such as subsidy to bring about
conversion to compost toilets.
Legislative instruments: Develop an appropriate liquid waste management legislation
in which compost toilet system is made mandatory in the design and construction of all
new homes, and new additions to existing homes. The cost of doing so could be provided
as a subsidy by the Government. Together with this, an effective monitoring and
enforcement system would also be needed.
3. The Government could approach a development partner to assist with the conversion of
the existing septic system with compost toilets for households that show commitment to the
use of ecological sanitation system. The Government could also consider approaching
development partners for assistance under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto
Protocol.
In conclusion, Funafuti has very few choices available to it in regards to its management of
human wastes. If the country does not tackle this issue urgently, the problem is likely to
become more acute as population increases and if predicted climate change become a
reality".
(Source: Lal et al. 2006)
6
3
Preparations for training in sustainable sanitation
The "hands-on" training in sustainable sanitation was conducted October 623 2006 in
Funafuti, for personnel from government and non-government organisations, the private sector,
the communities, and IWP team members. See Annex B for list of participants.
3.1 Pre-training preparations
Preparations for the practical sanitation training began in August 2004 during the visit by the
ST to Tuvalu, in concert with the IWP Communications Specialist, Steve Menzies.
Assessments were conducted of existing sanitation systems and practices and discussions were
held with the Tuvalu IWP National Task Force (NTF). These investigations verified and
supported the Baseline Assessment (IWP 2004) and led to the development of the "Solutions
Report" (Crennan 2004), which proposed training in the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of on-site sanitation. The training would include a basic accessible water quality
monitoring component.
It was intended that the proposed training would provide householders, contractors, and
relevant government personnel with the opportunity to:
· learn practical design, construction and maintenance skills;
· understand the treatment process, and the cost and impact of current technologies and
practices;
· be better informed to make appropriate decisions about what technical systems and
practices should be adopted;.
· be motivated to take the necessary steps to build and maintain appropriate systems and
adopt sustainable behaviour;
· plan to fund construction of appropriate systems; and
· be equipped with sufficient understanding and skills to teach others about sustainable
sanitation for Tuvalu.
A plan of action was formalised in March 2005 with an agreement between the ST and SPREP.
3.2 Input to communications strategy
The activities referred to in this report began in March 2005. It was originally planned that the
sanitation training be conducted in MayJune 2005.
Due to the time required for (i) the development and implementation of the community
communications campaign, (ii) wastewater and water quality workshops funded by the
Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and conducted by TAFE
GLOBAL, and (iii) the cost benefit analysis (Lal et al. 2006), the sanitation training did not
take place until October 2006
The March 2005 agreement required that the ST identify appropriate inputs to the development
of the communications strategy. This was done via intermittent communications between the
ST, IWP Project Coordination Unit (PCU), and the IWP NC. Some activities were
recommended as best taking place in the lead up to the practical sanitation training, and others
to occur as preparation for the campaign. The sequence and content of activities was decided
upon by the NC, the Tuvalu team and the Communications Specialist.
The activities discussed included audience research, competitions in poem, songs and drama
on campaign themes, and promotion of campaign objectives through radio and video.
3.2.1 Audience research and social marketing
Among other issues, it was advised that it could be useful to survey communities on the
following:
7
· What do people understand about the causes of disease, including the connection
between the waterborne/septic systems, contamination of the groundwater, and
health problems?
· What are current toilet habits, including how often do people use the beach for
defecation, and what is the reason? (e.g. no toilet, water shortage, socio-cultural
preferences, convenience)?
· What do people think are the advantages/disadvantages of pour flush, water-seal
or septic systems?
· What is the groundwater used for (e.g. washing clothes, gardening and flushing
toilets?) Are there other non-secondary uses? What is seawater used for
domestically?
· Do people know about composting toilets (CTs)? If they do, what do they think
about CTs:
o What objection would people have to using waterless-CTs?
o What is attractive about a CT?
o Are there any positive or negative gender issues associated with the use
and/or maintenance of CT?
o What would people do with end-product compost material? Would they
use it as a fertiliser?
· How much money are people able/prepared to pay for the various kinds of toilet,
including the waterless CT? What priority do toilets have in the family budget?
A survey was designed covering these and other issues. Ten people from seven villages were
interviewed on 2930 April 2006 by a team of 5 people (one from Public Health, three from
the Environment Department, and one from the Persistent Organic Pollutants programme. The
results were used to develop the marketing content and target audience for the national
communications campaign and to establish a baseline against which to assess impact of
campaign (Saloa 2006)
The Solutions Report (Crennan 2004) did not recommend promotion of one particular practice
or technology. The original intention was rather to provide participants with a sound basis for
making their own decisions about the most appropriate options for their communities
It was recommended that a range of treatment options and their advantages and disadvantages,
including cost, be explored in the sanitation training scheduled for mid-2005, with the
objective of allowing the participants to then choose the most appropriate system based on
their own evaluation. However, the IWP Tuvalu team the IWP PCU staff decided that a
broader campaign that introduced the CTs as the most desirable option would be the most
efficient strategy, given the prevailing conditions in Tuvalu.
The sanitation training was therefore postponed until late 2006, and was preceded by the cost
benefit analysis (Lal et al. 2006) and further water quality assessments, which provided solid
evidence of the need for the promotion of a waterless, zero-discharge sanitation system. When
sufficient evidence was gathered, based on public health and environmental data and economic
considerations, "Think waterless toilets" became one of the primary themes of the campaign.
3.2.2 Media
The Solutions Report recommended that development of a video could be an effective aspect
of a communications campaign. Video had been used effectively in sanitation projects in
Kiribati and Tonga. The Tuvalu Communications Team followed this suggestion, and Part I of
a promotional documentary was made, with the NC acting as Director, and with professional
assistance from Department of Community Affairs personnel from the Tuvalu Media
8
Corporation. The video delivers the history and technical issues of inappropriate, or
malfunctioning, sanitation systems and resulting environmental and public health problems in
an engaging, accessible format.
Part 2 of the video is being produced at the time of writing this report (OctoberNovember
2006). During the sanitation training a cameraman was present at most sessions and interviews
were conducted with participants and the ST. It is planned that the documentary will be edited
and completed before the end of 2006.
A national campaign was launched in Tuvalu in May 2006 to promote and raise public
awareness of groundwater contamination and its health/economic costs, based on the cost
benefit analysis and previous studies and reports noted above. A second goal of the campaign
was to develop demand for a safe toilet system.
The campaign was conducted by the IWP Communications Team, which included personnel
from government ministries, non-government organisations and volunteers. The team members
were selected by the NC and the PCU Communication Specialist.
The campaign utilised a variety of media to disseminate information to the public, including a
series of talk shows on Radio Tuvalu, which provided a venue for useful discussions and
debate. One of the talk shows focused on groundwater pollution caused by careless disposal
and poor management of liquid waste; another discussed and shared information on the
formulation of the National Integrated Water Resource Management Plan and the National
Water Plan.
Information was also disseminated through speech competitions, reciting of poems, drama, and
songs, and poster competitions. These competitions were completed with a quiz between Nauti
and Seventh Day Adventist Primary schools. The Prime Minister closed the campaign at an
official function in July. The competitors performed their poems, songs and drama, and the
First Lady awarded prizes to winners of the competitions (IWP Tuvalu 2006).
The ST viewed a video recording of the previous performances during the October visit to
Tuvalu, and was impressed by the range of talent, creativity, and enthusiastic participation by
school children and youth
Jingles and other promotional items continue to be played on the radio. Radio interviews were
recorded with the NC, the landowner where the CT was built, and some of the trainees
following the Sustainable Sanitation Training.
3.2.3 Evaluation of campaign
Evaluations are recommended to assess changes in attitude as a result of campaigns of this
type, to determine how well the messages have been adopted by the target population. The
stated objective of the campaign was "100% awareness of contamination of surface water,
groundwater and lagoon by current toilet systems by August 2006". An evaluation could assist
in designing the next communication phase, beyond the completion of IWP at the end of 2006.
Random queries were made by the ST during the October visit to Funafuti, and of the 20
people questioned, 8 had heard of the waterless toilet, while 12 were not aware of the waterless
toilet or the campaign. It was not known whether the respondents were from Funafuti or other
islands of Tuvalu.
The managing staff at the Vaiakulagi Hotel approached the ST to ask if CTs could be installed
in the hotel in order to reduce their water bills. They had heard about the campaign. They were
particularly interested in installing a CT in the bar area, but the ST advised that a CT receiving
mainly large quantities of urine could be difficult to maintain. However, a urine-separating CT
could be used for this purpose. The hotel personnel also queried whether guests would be
prepared to use the CT in their rooms. They were advised that CTs are used in resorts in
environmentally sensitive areas throughout the world.
9
A senior government official also expressed interest in installing a CT at his bungalow on his
home island for the family's use and the use of visitors to the island.
The NC reported that the Communications Specialist had intended to design an evaluation but
had resigned from the PCU before the campaign was completed. It was suggested a simple
random survey could be conducted asking some of the questions that were asked in the April
2006 survey.
3.3 Selection of participants for the sustainable sanitation training
It was suggested in the Solutions Report (Crennan 2004) that the sanitation training be
promoted as part of the Communications Strategy. In order to raise the status of the course and
also of the issue of sanitation, it was recommended that participants be required to apply to
attend, be interviewed to assess their suitability, and receive "trade certificates" to recognize
their achievement. The course would be open to representatives from other communities in
order to spread the word nationally, and also to avoid the perception that residents of Alapi and
Senala were being unfairly advantaged by receiving this training. These delicate matters were
left in the hands of the NC and the NTF to negotiate.
Rather than following the application and selection process suggested above, invitations were
sent to participants just a week before the training was to commence. This may be one of the
reasons for the reduced number of participants. There were 19 participants from Tuvalu rather
than 3035 that were expected. This was an appropriate number, however, given the logistics
of organising the construction process.
The participants represented the Public Works Department, the Health Department, Tuvalu
Association of Non-Government Organisations (TANGO), the Foundation of the Peoples of
the South Pacific International (FSPI), the Funafuti Womens Group, the Tuvalu Family Health
Association (TUFHA), Waste Management, members of the IWP focus communities of Alapi
and Senali, community members from other islands beyond Funafuti, and building contractors
from the private sector. The Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer from the
Secretariat of the Pacific Applied Geosciences Commission (SOPAC) also attended for part of
the course, and SOPAC sponsored the attendance of two I-Kiribati government personnel, one
from the Ministry of Health and the other from Department of Environment. See Annex B for a
list of participants.
Prior to the training the ST suggested to the following selection criteria for participants:
· willing and able to be involved in construction work;
· understand that their participation will be assessed and a skills/trade certificate
from the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology in
Sydney awarded for their level of participation;
· be able and willing to take their skills back to their community and teach
others.
The NC was concerned that the requirement to be involved in construction work would mean
that women would not be able to attend, as "heavy" work was not usually undertaken by
women in Tuvalu. The ST responded that it was important that women attend due to their
central role in sanitation and hygiene in the home, and perhaps they could participate in the
lighter construction activities. Building a sanitation system is a very effective way of
understanding how and why it works, how it should be used, and how to repair it, and it could
be empowering for women and girls to have these skills.
Two women participated in the course and despite being middle-aged and without construction
experience, both were actively involved and learned and applied new skills throughout the
training. Both women said they would like to conduct training with their communities after the
course. The representative from the Funafuti Womens Association, Nuseta Papamau, said that
10
she would seek assistance from the IWP NC to develop a proposal for funding to run a
sanitation construction workshop for other women, and the Director of TUFHA, Emily
Koepke, planned to conduct a session using the ST's presentation slides at her upcoming
workshop for men on environmental health. Ms Koepke asked the representative from Waste
Management, Vavao Saumanaia, to assist her as a resource person.
3.4 Selection of a site for the toilet construction
The NC and NTF decided on the following criteria for the site where the waterless-composting
toilet was to be built:
· enough space for the toilet house and the evapo-transpiration trenches;
· Sufficient clearance from neighbour, and agreement of neighbour;
· easy access to site;
· householder should own the land, and the family is willing to use the composting
toilet;
· preferably a family that did not have a toilet.
The ST requested that the owner be prepared to sometimes let others use the toilet, or at least
talk with others about their experience with the toilet.
The IWP NC indicated that it was ultimately the decision of the Funafuti Kaupule to select the
owner on whose land the composting toilet would be built. However, he added that the
promotional aspect of the ownership would be considered. The week before the training
commenced the selected landowner withdrew, apparently because the family felt there was not
sufficient room to construct the toilet house and the evapo-transpiration (ET) trenches.
A second landowner was selected in time for the training to commence. This household had no
toilet and the family usually used the beach, or neighbours' and relatives' toilets.
3.5 Certification of the training
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology in Sydney was
approached by the ST to provide certification of the course (not accreditation, as this is a long
expensive process taking several years and more than AUD 100,000).
A series of meetings were held during 2005 with the Director of the Institute, Dr Stuart White
and the International Programs Manager, Dr Juliet Willets, to discuss the IWP Tuvalu course
content and objectives. As the training will provide skills that could also be used to generate
income in Tuvalu or elsewhere, it was considered consistent with the Institute's poverty
reduction goals as well as capacity building to reduce pollution and associated health threats.
When the NC contacted the ST consultant in June 2006 to resume arrangements for the
sanitation training, it was necessary to renegotiate the terms of certification with ISF. Meetings
were held on July 5 with ISF staff in Sydney to confirm that the certification was still in place.
It was initially intended that the Certificate (attached to this report as Annex C) provide a
percentage evaluation of participation in the two components of the course: theory and
management of on-site sanitation systems; and design and construction of waterless
composting toilet. Participants were informed of the formal certification process at the opening
of the course and this appeared to add value to the training. At the end of the training it was
decided by the ST and the NC that it was not necessary to give a percentage evaluation as it
was too difficult to fairly assess relative involvement, and it was decided that all participants
had contributed and participated to the best of their ability.
Attendance was noted on a daily basis and most of the participants were committed and
involved throughout the entire course, despite the intense heat and demanding circumstances of
11
the construction process. Those who had to be briefly absent because of other obligations,
(such as the representative from the Health Department), apologised and explained the reasons
that they were required to attend to other duties, and advised when they would return.
At the final training session on Friday afternoon, Certificates were presented to all the
participants who completed the course, by the Director of Environment, and the ST.
3.6 Building materials
Prior to the training it was necessary to provide construction and design information to the
Tuvalu team to allow plenty of time for preparation.
When the NC contacted the ST in June 2006, it was suggested that he visit Sanitation Park in
Suva to inspect CTs there, as he was due to visit Fiji for an IWP Lessons Learned meeting.
Sanitation Park is an interactive education facility located at the Fiji School of Medicine. It is
intended that the Park be used by Environmental Health students from across the region and
the general public. It has demonstration models of a properly constructed septic tank and
treatment trench, a ventilated pit latrine, a sanitary well, and a waterless composting toilet.
Information is also available on costing and locating a variety of technologies to assist
communities to select an appropriate toilet system that suits their socio-economic,
environmental and hygiene conditions.
Unfortunately the NC did not have time to visit the Park and explore material and design
options for toilet construction for Tuvalu, so the ST proceeded with the standard design.
Technical drawings, written technical specifications, and two materials lists from previous
double batch CT constructions, and sketches of the proposed demonstration system were
emailed to the IWP NC in June 2005 to pass on to the Water and Sanitation (W&S) Officer at
Public Works Department (PWD). A list of required tools for construction was also included.
From this information the W&S Officer was to asked to develop a list of materials that could
be purchased in Tuvalu. Any outstanding items which could not be replaced by locally
available materials were to be brought in by the ST.
Unfortunately the full set of technical drawings was not passed on to the W&S Officer, but he
nevertheless managed to draw up a materials estimate, which was a remarkable achievement
since he was unfamiliar with the design and the concept of a waterless double batch CT.
When the ST arrived in Tuvalu on October 6, the misunderstanding was rectified and the W&S
Officer was provided with a full set of drawings and explanation of design details during a
meeting also attended by the Director of Public Works, the IWP NC and the PWD carpenter. It
was agreed at this meeting that the W&S officer would lead the construction of the CT, with
the support of the ST, the NC, and the PWD carpenter (acting as construction foreman). It was
decided by the Tuvalu IWP team that construction be led by the W&S Officer in order to
provide personnel with experience in conducting a training of this nature, and to facilitate local
ownership of the design and construction of the CT for Tuvalu.
An additional meeting was held by the ST and the W&S Officer to discuss design and
construction issues in more detail.
In August the NC requested that the ST purchase the toilet pedestal and seat in Australia. The
ST researched availability of pedestal and seats for waterless-composting toilets and ordered a
fibreglass pedestal from Nature Loo in Brisbane, because it would be relatively light to
transport by plane. A wooden seat was also purchased as it was recommended by the
manufacturers as being durable for tropical conditions.
3.7 Training agenda
When the NC contacted the ST in June 2006 to resume arrangements for the training the ST
inquired about the content of the training for 2006, given the events that had taken place since
12
the training strategy had been formulated in March 2005. The NC requested a global overview
of CT usage, followed by the construction training. The ST expanded this to cover the topics
suggested in the Solutions Report, and which were required in the contract agreement of March
2005: namely a comparative review of sanitation options, including using the beach..
A draft training program was emailed to the NC in August 2006 for the Tuvalu team's review
and comment. The draft program is attached as Annex D. It was understood that the agenda
needed to be flexible to allow for variable construction progress, which may proceed faster or
slower than anticipated. The program consisted of a background/theory section and practical
construction sessions.
The NC confirmed approval of the draft program on 29 August.
4
Content and structure of the sanitation training
The training consisted of two components:
· the background theory and management of on-site sanitation treatment; and
· the practical skills to design, cost, construct and maintain a fixed double batch
composting toilet. There are many different types of composting toilet designs
and most work well.
The fixed double batch system was chosen as a demonstration model, as the ST has had
extensive experience with this system in the Pacific, US and Australia, and has found it be the
most durable and easy to maintain of the many designs available. It can be built from locally
available materials so is not dependent on imports for construction, or maintenance. The design
had been improved after feedback from users in the Pacific and Australia.
t is also easy to see how the system works because the composting chambers are not sealed, as
in the mobile batch systems or the continuous systems. This is not to say that the fixed double
batch is the only CT design that is suitable for Tuvalu. There is a mobile batch system that has
been successfully used for 5 years by a family in Senala, and they are happy with it. Whatever
designs are finally chosen by the people of Tuvalu, the principles of a composting toilet are
easily observed in the fixed double batch. These principles can then be applied to other design
types.
Although a draft agenda had been provided by the ST and accepted by the NC, it was mutually
understood that the implementation of the training would be flexible to allow for the weather,
the experience and skills of the participants and any unexpected developments that might occur
during the 2-week period. The ST queried whether the prospective participants understood
English and if not what arrangements for translation should be made. The NC responded that
he thought that those likely to attend would be comfortable with presentations in English.
4.1 Daily process and content of Funafuti training
The sustainable sanitation training was aimed at capacity building for all those involved,
including the IWP team. It commenced as soon as arrangements for the training began in
March 2005, and then resumed in June 2006. The way in which an event is planned and
organised in the preceding months will determine how successful the actual event is. The
preparatory stages have been described in Section 3.1.
This following section summarises the key elements of an interactive process that determined
the final content and structure of the Practical Training in Sustainable Sanitation. The
development of the social dialogue was as important as the technical exchange of information
and skills.
13
DAY 1, October 9
On arrival in Funafuti by the ST, a meeting was held with the NC and ST to discuss
arrangements for the training including materials, personnel who would assist in the training,
selection of participants, site for CT construction, location for theory sessions, provision of
meals and refreshments during the training and the communications campaign to date. As it
had been 2 years since the training was originally planned, there was a lot of detail to
understand about what had occurred in IWP Tuvalu since October 2004.
DAY 2, October 10
Meetings were held with personnel from PWD, the NC, and the ST; roles and responsibilities
were allocated for the construction of the waterless CT.
Roles and responsibilities
As referred to in Section 4.1.5 of this Report it was decided that the PWD W&S Officer would
lead the construction, with supervision and support by the ST and the NC and his team. The
Director of Public Works suggested that the W&S Officer invite participants who had
construction skills to assist with training, and to take responsibility for overseeing specific
construction tasks. Design and building materials issues and options were also discussed, and
arrangements were confirmed for use of PWD tools
Selecting a site on householders' land
A meeting was held with the owner on the land where the CT would be built. The meeting was
attended by the NC, the ST, the PWD W&S Officer and the Director of Environment. Teosa
Ioasa and his wife Simanoe had no children but were living with his stepfather and the wife's
bother and their two children. The neighbour (who had a family of 6 people) would also
probably use the CT. The land was adjacent to a large maneaba, and it was possible that other
community members would also use the toilet with Teosa's permission. A partly constructed
concrete block house was located on the land, and it was decided by the landowner that the
toilet would be located approximately 2 meters from this house, leaving open the possibility of
including the CT in the final construction of his house. The unfinished house belonged to
Teosa's brother, who had gone to live abroad. Teosa hoped to finish the house when funds
were available
Other considerations for locating the toilet included: privacy; the proximity to the neighbour's
house and boundary; prevailing winds, especially on the cyclone side; and convenient placing
of the evapo-transpiration trenches where there would not be regular pedestrian traffic.
Venue preparation
The venue for the theory sessions was inspected by the NC, the ST and the IWP
Administrative Coordinator for the training. The theory sessions were to be held in the youth
centre belonging to the Tuvalu Family Health Association and discussions were held with the
Director of the centre regarding the training. Seating was arranged and the projection
equipment checked.
DAY 3. October 11
The training was officially opened by the Director of Environment and morning tea/breakfast
was provided.
Meals and refreshments
Throughout the training women from the Funafuti communities prepared at least two meals a
day for the trainees. The payment for these meals by IWP therefore provided income to the
14
communities and also advertised the training. The women who provided food on the
construction site all expressed an interest in the CT and a desire to have one. (This interest may
have partly been because the CT was being built free of labour and material costs to the
owner).
Sitting fees
After the opening, one of the participants, a senior community member from the island of
Nukulaelae, Foia Paeniu, complained about the lack of "sitting fees" for the participants. The
requirement for participants to be paid to attend workshops and trainings has developed over
the last decade across the region. In some cases the amount is to cover daily travel costs, which
is reasonable, but more often the amount is a substantial attendance fee. In some countries
participants will not attend unless sitting fees are paid, and it was reported that some invitees
did not attend the training because they knew there were no fees. The NC explained to the
trainees that there was no allocation in the budget for sitting fees and that food would be
provided in lieu of fees. The Director of Environment explained that the training would
provide the participants with skills that could lead to employment in Tuvalu and elsewhere,
and would enable them to better protect their family's health and the environment.
At the beginning of the opening theory session, the ST explained the process of certification
and how the Institute of Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology supported the
training and its goals. It was also explained that attendance at such a course would cost at least
$1000 per person in Australia. There were occasional ongoing references to the lack of sitting
fees for the first couple of days of the training, but by the beginning of the second week the
most vocal critic announced that he was more than happy with what he was learning from the
training, and no longer felt that sitting fees should be provided.
The first theory session examined the source and content of sewage and how it can threaten
public health and the environment. Information was provided primarily through photographs
and graphics in slide presentations.
Request for translation
Within 5 minutes of the opening session one of the participants complained that the
presentation should not be in English and indicated translation was required because most of
the information was unfamiliar and difficult to understand. From then on for all the theory
sessions, the ST presented each slide and associated information, and the NC translated, before
moving on to the next slide. This slowed down the sessions but allowed time for repetition and
understanding (as it became apparent that most participants actually understood the English
presentation).
Discussion was stimulated by the translating process because the participants asked questions
in Tuvaluan. If they were required to ask questions in English this would have been a deterrent,
due to the fear of being teased by their companions about their English speaking ability. The
only drawback to the translating process was that the ST did not understand exactly what was
being said, and so was less able to target information or feedback accordingly.
Unseen threats in human and animal excreta
One of the major obstacles to awareness of the threats of untreated human and animal waste to
public health and environmental is the fact that pathogens (disease causing organisms) are
invisible to the naked eye. Therefore presentations included information on the morphology of
heleminth eggs (worms), especially round worm or Trichuris, which is very common in some
Pacific Island countries. Trichuris was chosen as an indicator as heleminths are one of the most
persistent pathogens in the environment, surviving most waterborne treatment, and the eggs are
able to live for up to 7 years in the soil.
15
The information on heleminths was drawn from research by Dr Greg Berry, who conducted
extensive research into the impact on pathogens within a functioning CT (Berry 2001). Dr
Berry was sub-contracted by the ST in March 2005 to provide input into the training. When the
training was postponed until October 2006, he was not able to attend, but continued to provide
input into the re-design and content of the updated training. His research was presented in an
accessible format to demonstrate that the composting process in an effective CT can destroy
heleminth eggs, and therefore other less resilient pathogens.
Fertiliser value of CT compost
Dr Berry also studied the fertiliser value of composted human excreta, and the history and
current uses of dry sanitation in Asia and Central America. The results of these studies were
also included in the presentations in a simple format through graphics and photographs.
On-site sanitation options
The design and maintenance of a range of on-site sanitation systems was presented and
discussed including ventilated improved pit latrines, septic tanks with treatment trenches,
evapo-transpiration beds, sand filters, aerated wastewater treatment systems, and CTs.
Comparative advantages and disadvantages of all these treatment options were discussed with
a particular emphasis on their suitability for the social and geophysical conditions of Tuvalu.
Construction steps for CT
For the final session the PWD presented the slides which the ST had prepared on the steps
required to build a CT. This presentation used photographs of CTs being built in Fiji and
Vanuatu. The early introduction to the technical aspects of the training were necessary because
on the following day the trainees would lay the foundations and slab of the CT.
The trainees appeared to appreciate the first day of presentations and discussions and were
particularly affected by the demonstration of the impact of pathogens on the human body.
DAY 4, October 12
It was recommended that foundations and the slab be poured early in the training to allow 3
days for the slab to cure.
Foundation and slab construction
All the trainees turned up on site at 7am ready to begin construction. Unfortunately the W&S
Officer was late arriving and then had to leave again because he was collecting materials for
construction. The group was left to clear and level the site.
One of the trainees from the private sector who had experience in building took over
supervision. It had been recommended by the ST that foundations should be built according to
local requirements for soil and weather conditions. There was some discussion among the
trainees regarding different methods for pouring the foundations and slab and the required
depth of foundations. As there was not agreement on this issue, the ST provided direction by
reference to the technical drawings and it was decided that the plans would be followed for the
construction of this CT, with any possible local modifications included in the manual. The
W&S Officer finally arranged for delivery of materials and returned to the site, but by that time
some mistakes had been made in measuring dimensions of the toilet structure and cutting the
formwork for the slab, which he asked the trainees to correct.
Some of the trainees were professional building contractors, and others had very little
experience of construction work, so it took some time for the group to adjust to this difference
in skills. Despite intense heat and some debate over how the task should be achieved, the
foundations and slab were successfully laid at the end of the day's work. Breakfast was served
16
to the group mid-morning, and a late lunch after the slab was poured. Meals were served in the
nearby maneaba. Cold drinks were supplied throughout the day.
At the end of the day's work, two representatives from Kiribati, Noketi Karoua, and Nenebo
Benetito, arrived on the scheduled flight from Suva, with the WASH officer from SOPAC,
Kamal Khatri, to participate in the training. Unfortunately they were not able to attend from the
beginning of the training due to late booking of their flights.
DAY 5, October 13
The trainees returned to the TUFHA meeting room to continue with the background theory
session while the slab cured.
Roles and direction for CT construction
The first session of the morning was a lengthy discussion about the construction process of the
slab which occurred on the previous the day. Participants were invited to comment or ask
questions about what they did not understand. The following issues were raised in Tuvaluan.
Some translation in English was provided to the ST, and the representatives from SOPAC and
Kiribati.
· There were "too many cooks" on the construction site, and the trainees expected
overall construction to be led by the W&S Officer, as this is what had been arranged at
the end of the theory session on the preceding day.
· The participants were there to learn how to understand and build a waterless
composting toilet, and not just to assist in construction work. Therefore they expected
that procedures would be explained (such as the correct mix for the concrete) to those
without building experience, and they would not be criticised by those with more
skills, if they made a mistake.
· It was suggested that materials should be organised prior to construction so that the
W&S Officer could be on site to direct proceedings, and there would be no delays in
continuing with construction.
This surprisingly frank exchange was very useful as it helped to sort out group dynamics early
in the training. It is often the case at trainings and workshop in the Pacific that people have
strong complaints but are too polite to say anything, and grievances only emerge at evaluation
time, or informally after the workshop, or people just stop attending the training, in silent
protest.
In response to the group's comments there was more discussion about how the trainees could
be divided into small groups with one experienced builder taking responsibility for supervising
a particular task. It was resolved that ongoing construction would proceed more smoothly the
next week. The ST encouraged participants to ask her any questions on the construction site if
they didn't understand what is going on. However, it was understood that general shyness
might prevent this from happening
History of dry sanitation and CTs in developed and developing countries
The ST presented a history of dry sanitation technology from the time that it began in Asia at
least 1000 years ago, and spread to the rest of the world. Different models and agricultural
practices (using the toilet compost as a fertiliser) were discussed from China, the Himalayan
regions, Central America (El Salavador and Guatemala), the Pacific Islands and Australia. This
presentation let the participants know that CTs are not a new invention that is going to be tried
out in Tuvalu. They have been used in a wide variety of cultures and geophysical conditions
over long periods of time.
17
"Water Tommorrow"
Technical problems occurred with the author's laptop due to a power surcharge, followed by a
damaged CD, and the TS was not able to proceed with more detailed slide presentations of CTs
in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga on DAY 5.
Water Tommorrow, a video from the Water Voices series made by the Asian Development
Bank for the Third Water Forum in 2003, was shown. It addresses water and sanitation issues,
particularly groundwater pollution, in Tonga and Kiribati. It includes the promotion of CTs by
the Development Officer in Tonga and personnel from Langafonua (Tongan Womens
Association), and the island wide installation of CTs by the Town Officer and Village
Committee on Ata'ata. Trainees reported that it was very interesting to see live footage of
people in other Pacific countries facing and discussing the same problems they experienced in
Tuvalu.
The WASH officer from SOPAC presented general information and statistics on sanitation and
hygiene issues in developing countries. Poor maintenance of existing "low-tech" water supply
and sanitation technologies was discussed.
After the training sessions the ST offered to assist the W&S Officer to lead the construction,
but he responded that he could do it, and would be better organised the following week. It was
definitely the preferred option that the W&S Officer continue to lead the construction, as one
of the goals of the training was to better equip Public Works personnel to manage sanitation in
Tuvalu. As the W&S Officer had only received the full set of technical drawings at the
beginning of the training week, he had limited time to prepare for the training.
DAY 6, October 14 (Saturday)
The training stops for the weekend break.
The ST met with the IWP Administrative Coordinator to discuss training logistics and to get
further translation and understanding of what had occurred at the sessions in the first week.
Preparations for the training that had occurred in Tuvalu over the last few months were also
discussed. The Coordinator was asked to record questions that trainees asked in Tuvaluan
during sessions to assist the ST in keeping track of the trainee's needs, but as she had many
tasks to attend to she was not always present at the training.
It would have made her job easier and more productive if she had been included in the initial
meetings that took place with the IWP and PWD personnel on Days 1 and 2, when roles and
responsibilities were discussed.
DAY 7, October15 (Sunday)
The ST met with the representatives from Kiribati and SOPAC to go through the theory and
background sessions which they missed on Day 3.
DAY 8, October 16
Training on the construction site began at 7am. At breakfast the W&S Officer held discussions
with the trainees who would undertake each task.
Constructing the composting chambers and evapo-transpiration (ET)
trenches
Mixing of mortar, and laying of blockwork and reinforcing for the composting chambers was
shared by the group, with the two women actively involved in construction.
The height and size of the composting chambers can be varied according to need. The group
discussed the likely number of people who would use the CT, and decided that the chambers
should be 5 rows of cement blocks in height.
18
The evapo-transpiration trenches were dug and lined with concrete blocks.
At the end of day's work, the group was asked if they had any comments or questions. Most
were satisfied with how the work was conducted. There was one complaint that all the required
tools should be on site when needed. Some tools were borrowed from PWD and some rented
from the contractors.
DAY 9, October 17
Construction began at 7am
Completion ET of drainage and trenches and upper slab
The ply formwork for the slab was prepared.
The ET trenches were lined with plastic and a thin cement lining poured on the base and
allowed to dry. When it dried the trench was filled with coral aggregate over the draining pipe.
Before finishing the top of the trench with sand, the NC suggested that a plastic cover was
needed to prevent the trenches filling up with water in heavy rain, as the mounding will not be
sufficient to direct run-off in Tuvaluan conditions. Old rice bags are used.
The design of the trenches should be adapted to Tuvalu soil and rainfall conditions, and the
performance of these CT trenches needs to monitored. The trenches are finally mounded with
sand. The area should be fenced off to protect the trenches.
The walls of the composting chambers were plastered.
The slab for the floor of the toilet room was reinforced and poured leaving a space for the toilet
seats and the vent pipes.
The ST went with the W&S Officer to check at the hardware that the pine timber is treated
(against rot). It was decided to build the frames for the access doors of the chambers in treated
pine, rather than hardwood, which is more difficult and expensive to buy. The framing for the
access doors to the chambers was prepared.
At the end of each day's construction the W&S Officer told the group what would be done the
next day and any problems were discussed.
After the training, the TS and the NC viewed Part I of the documentary that the NC had
directed, and discussed the approach and content with the film producer from the Tuvalu Film
Corporation. This is an excellent production.
The I-Kriibati requested that they be able to stay for the completion of the training. They had
been booked to leave with the SOPAC WASH officer on DAY 11. The NC and the TS
supported their ongoing attendance, and the WASH officer was asked to contact SOPAC and
request permission for them to stay. SOPAC personnel in Suva agreed to their ongoing
attendance.
DAY 10, October 18
Construction begins at 7am.
The base of the chambers was rendered (plastered) so that the plenum floor slopes down into
the drainage that connects with the ETs. Great care was taken to achieve a smooth finish by the
PWD carpenter.
Framing and cladding of superstructure (toilet house)
The ST accompanied the W&S officer and three of the trainees to collect materials from the
hardware store. The other trainees were instructed to plumb the superstructure and install
rafters for the roof. During the wait for the materials, not all the trainees were occupied and
19
this led to some minor complaints. The W&S officer is the only person authorised to purchase
materials so this makes his full time presence on-site difficult. He sometimes appears to be
reluctant to delegate new tasks, in case mistakes are made in his absence.
The superstructure was framed in treated pine and the zincalume roof is laid.
Vent pipes were installed into the composting chamber. The W&S officer prefers to bend the
pipes outside the roof line to avoid cutting a hole in the roof. The NC points out that the vent
pipes should be installed in a straight line to maximise airflow and convection. The ST advises
that this is correct. However, she has had experience of CTs not having vents at all, so it is a
matter of weighing up the potential loss of convection against the possibility of rain getting
into the toilet room. The pipes should be painted black to assist convection. It is agreed that
and if there is trouble with smells the vent pipes will be re-fitted through the roof. However if
the CT smells it is probably because it has not be maintained properly, (e.g. not enough dried
leaves) rather than the lack of convection.
The marine ply cladding was attached to the superstructure. The timber was painted with
primer to protect against rot. This is especially important for the timber inside the composting
chambers.
The WASH officer from SOPAC handed out H2S water kits to all the participants to test their
home water supply (please refer to Section 5 of this report for more detail).
DAY 11, October 19
Construction began at 7am
The trainees broke into small groups to do the following tasks:
· Construct false floors from hardwood, and paint with primer;.
· Install the top of the vent pipes above the roof line fit flashing;
· Install the runners for the baffles on the access door frames, and make baffles
using double thickness marine ply for strength and long term durability;
· Prepare blockwork footings for the steps and allowed these to dry. The steps were
framed in treated pine;
· Build the door of the toilet room of marine ply and treated pine;
· Apply a top coat to the toilet house.
The ST was mainly focused on the internal fittings for the composting chambers to ensure that
they were properly constructed to provide a firm seal and durability, and was concerned that
too much time was being spent on finishing touches the superstructure. However, she realised
that the appearance of the toilet house was equally important particularly for the introduction
of new technology, which some may think as being too simple, and too much like the pit
latrine.
The trainees were very careful to do a good job on painting the toilet house. The trainees also
decided to clean up around the toilet area to make it look attractive, and suggested to the owner
that he pave the place with small stones. Tiling the floor of the toilet house would also enhance
appearance and show that a CT can be just as classy as a flush toilet.
The trainees worked from 7 until after 4pm to get all these tasks done.
DAY 11, October 20
Construction began at 7am. It was intended that the construction be completed by mid-morning
so that the group could return to the TUFHA centre for the wrap-up sessions
The landing for the steps was completed. The door to the toilet was made too big and needed to
20
be reduced by planning the frame. Once this was s done the door was fitted.
Bolts were drilled through the frame of the chamber access doors and wingnuts used to screw
the access doors to the frame. The access doors were double marine ply fitted with handles.
Coverings were cleverly made for the top of the vent pipes by heating and cutting the plastic.
This will keep out heavy rain but will also further restrict airflow, so this needs to be
monitored.
The guttering was attached to the facia board, and the base of the toilet seat fitted with a
marine ply collar so that it can be bolted to the concrete slab floor.
The producer and cameraman from Tuvalu Film Corporation attended the morning
construction and interviewed the landowner, trainees, and the ST. After the interviews, the
producer and ST discussed attitudes to health/environment/existing sanitation practices/CTs
and how these complex issues can be most effectively presented in a short documentary. The
producer had his own doubts about CTs which he discused, mainly to do with style and
appearance. He is however impressed by the interior of the CT house
As these final tasks take longer than expected, so the group does not assemble at the TUFHA
centre for the final session until early afternoon. There was a suggestion that the construction
site should be left earlier, but it is important the trainees be involved in the final details to that
they can see that important features are not left unfinished.
At the TUFHA centre a video was shown of a composting toilet trial in Kiribati that took place
in 19931995 on Kiritimati, which was of particular interest to the I-Kiribati trainees. The rest
of the participants were also interested in the Kiritimati experience and attitudes, and in the
section on Australian CTs, which showed families using CTs installed in modern bathrooms,
and the compost being removed.
The Director of Environment arrivesdfor the final session. Timo Vilaimu was asked to give a
presentation on his experience with the mobile batch CT that his family had been using for the
last 5 years in Senala. Timo talked about how the compost reduces to one eighth of its original
volume over the composting period. He said that they change the bins every 57 months and
use the compost on their fruit trees and taro. He also commented that he thinks the CT the
trainees have built is an improvement on the system he has at home, because it includes the ET
trenches. Timo was very active throughout the CT training, and quietly contributed to all
stages of the construction. He has spent 30 years as a seaman and has 5 children. He is the
younger brother of Seimeli Manase, who has publicly advocated the CT for Tuvalu. The
family has had no water shortage problems since using the CT.
The ST presented slides of the construction of the CT by the Tuvaluan trainees, highlighting
the most important design steps, and emphasising the need to plan ahead, and have materials
and tools on site ready for work.
The Director of Environment made a closing speech and the Director and ST presented the
Certificates to all the trainees.
After the meal some trainees remained to see further presentations of composting toilets in
Australia including their use in homes, resorts, training centres, schools and National Parks and
World Heritage Areas.
Sadly, that morning a senior community member had died when he was collecting toddy, so
many of the participants left to go the wake.
DAY 12, October 21 (Saturday)
The ST visited the CT to talk with the family. The landowner was much more relaxed about
talking with the ST when none of the trainees were present. He explained what he understood
about using and maintaining the toilet and it was clear that he knew what the correct procedure
21
was. He had installed a drum to catch the run-off from the gutter and was aware that the
trenches needed to be protected. He reported that the W&S Officer had been there early that
morning finishing off the fittings for the toilet seat.
The ST met other trainees in the street, and at a restaurant, and talked with them about their
experience of the training (see Section 5.2).
DAY 13, October 22 (Sunday)
The ST and the NC met so that the ST could provide copies of all the slide presentations and
the NC could provide copies of reports of all the activities that have taken place in IWP Tuvalu
since the project began, but particularly over the last 2 years. The NC and ST discussed the
successes and challenges of the training and campaign
The participants from Kiribati asked to meet with the ST to discuss their interest in having a
similar training in Kiribati. The ST provided them with copies of the presentations so they
could give a presentation to their colleagues in the Health and Environment Departments on
returning to Kiribati.
DAY 14, October 23
The NC and ST met and downloaded graphics that could be used in the IWP documentary.
The Kiribati participants and ST left for Nadi where they met to discuss a strategy for
sustainable sanitation in Kiribati. While conditions in Kiribati and Tuvalu are similar, there are
also significant differences, and all the socioeconomic and geophysical conditions need to be
carefully considered so that any activities are appropriately targeted. The Kiribati participants
advised that they had learned a great deal from the training in Tuvalu and appreciated the
Tuvaluan hospitality, and SOPAC's sponsorship of their attendance. They indicated they
would report to their superiors and hoped to develop a strategy and proposal for assistance in
the coming months.
4.2 Evaluation of training
There was no time for formal evaluation of the training when the sessions were completed on
the afternoon of 20 October, as construction had finished later than expected and more than
half the participants had to leave by 5pm. The ST spoke individually to most of the participants
during the afternoon tea, or over the next three days, and asked them what they felt were the
negative and useful aspects of the training.
The only negative comment from any of the participants was that there was too much time
spent waiting around building materials, tools, or transport to collect materials for the
construction site.
Other responses from some of the participants (listed as the groups/organisation they represent)
are provided below:
· TANGO/FSPI: the CT construction and information on health aspects of poor
sanitation would be used in youth education programs. Links could also be made to
regional programs relating to destruction of the reef by discharge of human and animal
waste.
· TUFHA: the Director would include the training information in their work with men
on environmental health, and other family health programs. She said had previously
been one of the most critical of the idea of CTs but now would like to volunteer to
promote CTs for Tuvalu.
· Funafuti Womens' Association: she had learned new building skills and confidence,
and now understood how to teach other women how to build and take care of a
22
waterless toilet, and why it was necessary in Tuvalu.
· Building contractors: they had increased their building qualifications, and they now
also wanted to build a CT at their homes.
· Disaster Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Office: he also has a
construction business, and was about to install a septic system in his aunt's house, and
will soon build a new house himself, and was now considering a CT. He would
monitor how the CT at the training site worked to be sure it was the right decision.
· Waste Management: training had confirmed and expanded the skills and understanding
that he received under the AusAID Waste Management Project. He wanted to build a
CT on his home island.
· Ministry of Health: said that it was a "very interesting training", which had helped to
overcome his doubts about the CT, and understand more about pathogens in the
environment.
· Representatives from the islands of Vaitupu, Nanumaga, Nukufetau, Nanumea, and
Nui Islands: they would take the information back to their island committees and
would like to build CTs if costs could be reduced. They appreciated getting
qualifications and skills that might help them get paid work
· Representative from Nukulaelae Island: he was "really happy" to have attended the
training and increase his understanding of pollution and health, and now knows how to
build a CT; he had added to his skills as a carpenter (he originally complained about
the lack of sitting fees, but now thinks all the hard work was worth it).
· Household with movable batch system: the training had provided very helpful
background information to what his family had already experienced with the CT over
the last five years, and he now knows how to improve their system.
· Participants from the Kiribati Environment and Conservation Division, and Ministry of
Health: they very keen to tackle groundwater pollution problems in Kiribati and use
what they had learnt at the Tuvalu training.
· Members of Alapi and Senali communities: they wished that the CT had been built at
their house.
It would be useful for the NC and NTF to record any other comments they heard from
participants, or from other people who talked about the training, as this may help in designing
campaigns on the outer island after IWP. The informal evaluation that the ST was able to
conduct was limited by not being able to understand Tuvaluan.
5
Community-based water quality monitoring
The Solutions Report (Crennan 2004) suggested a community-based groundwater monitoring
programme be conducted to further establish the links between poor waste water management
and degraded environmental and public health. The intention was to actively involve members
of the community in measuring the impacts of their activities on the groundwater system. This
suggestion was included in the March 2005 Agreement with SPREP.
In the Solutions Report, it was explained that simple "strip tests" can be distributed to
households and/or communities so they can test their own water either from the well, the rain
tank or the desalination plant. With sufficient education on how to use the simple
presence/absence strip test, there should be no need to tell people that their water is either safe
or contaminated, as they can see the results for themselves. If results indicate high risk,
households would be instructed to treat their water to make it safe before drinking (Mosley et
al. 2004).
23
Having people participate in the monitoring themselves is an effective way to encourage the
adoption of alternative wastewater management and sanitation techniques. It is an excellent
way of demonstrating that invisible pollution exists and can be measured.
The use of H2S strip test kits was included in the March 2005 Agreement, and it was also
suggested that boreholes could be installed near village wells and samples taken from the bores
and the wells that are currently in use. This would have helped to establish a base line quality
for faecal indicators and other indicators that are a concern. This monitoring could be
performed by a school science class or selected volunteers from the within the communities.
A further suggestion was that after one month of collecting samples for baseline quality, all the
residents in the study area could be requested to make arrangements with relatives outside the
study area to use their toilet, or to use the beach, so that the toilets in the study area could be
closed.
This proposed strategy was based on the original plan that the sanitation training would occur
early on in the awareness campaign, in mid 2005. It was suggested that the composting toilet
that was to be built during the sanitation training could be installed in the study area and used
by the families involved in the groundwater monitoring programme. After a period of six
months it would be possible for the septic tanks and latrine pits to be emptied in order to
observe any changes in water quality when the sludge is removed.
When the sanitation training was postponed this community-based monitoring strategy did not
proceed. Water quality workshops and assessments were conducted with government
personnel instead.
5.1 Water quality workshops and assessments
The water quality workshops were funded by AusAID as part of their small grant technical
assistance program and occurred in June and December 2005. The workshops were attended
by representatives of Ministry of Health, Department of Environment and the Public Works
Department.
Water quality assessments were conducted on well water within the villages, rainwater from
storage tanks, pond water near the piggery, groundwater at the landfill site and burrow pits,
saltwater from the ocean side, lagoon water near jetty and filtered seawater from the
desalination plant. Water was tested for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, colour odour,
turbidity, suspended solids, salinity, nutrients, heavy metals and bacteria (Water Quality
Testing Results June and December 2005). A project report on these workshops has not yet
been provided by AusAID but the results were used to support the IWP campaign.
5.2 Trainees testing water supply
The ST decided to go ahead with introducing the strip tests so that they could be used in future
awareness-raising campaigns, and to give the trainees the opportunity to test their water
supply.
The ST planned to collect the H2S kits while in transit through Fiji but as she had to transport
the CT toilet seat, she requested the WASH officer from SOPAC, who was attending the
training, to collect the kits from the suppliers in Suva and bring them to Tuvalu, with some
relevant SOPAC publications. On 18 October the WASH officer was asked to hand out the kits
at the construction site, and explain the simple process of using them. This consists of filling
up the flask with water to the mark on the glass, and then observing any colour change over the
next few days. Instruction sheets were provided how to judge the colour change and what it
meant.
The trainees were told to keep the flasks in the dark and bring them the next day to discuss any
changes. Only 2 people brought the flasks back and neither had any serious colour change.
24
Most of the group said they had forgotten to try testing their water supply but would do so the
next day. Nobody returned their flask the following day either. A trainee commented that
perhaps if there was a serious colour change people may be embarrassed to show the whole
group who would then know their water supply was polluted.
The NC said that it would be helpful to use the H2S kits in the awareness work with school
children.
6 Lessons
learned
IWP in Tuvalu was conducted between 2001 and 2006. The ST was involved in the
development of the original background documents in 2002 that support the regional project,
in particular a synopsis of information on community based solutions to waste management
pollution prevention and improved sanitation in Pacific Island countries (Crennan and Berry 2002).
The first visit to Tuvalu by the ST occurred in 2004 and from that time the ST had some
involvement in the design and implementation of the pilot project for Tuvalu. This
involvement was for the most part long distance in nature, however, and it is from this
perspective that the following comments on lessons learned are made.
6.1 The positive lessons from IWP Tuvalu
Sanitation is a complex and challenging issue to deal with as it touches on the most personal
aspects of human life. It involves traditions, habits and beliefs that are learned from childhood
and are extremely difficult to change. Poor management of sanitation can cause serious
impacts to health and the environment, which are largely invisible.
Any campaign that succeeds in changing behaviour is this area is to be congratulated. Tuvalu
was the only country involved in the regional IWP that chose this path, although many PICs
are facing serious threats from poor waste water management. IWP has tried a number of
different strategies that could be useful elsewhere.
6.1.1 Integrated approach
The communications campaign and the training in sustainable sanitation were a good example
of an integrated approach to water supply and sanitation, involving government, NGOs and
CBOs, and the private sector. The initiative taken by the PWD to lead the training despite
having no experience building a sanitation system of this kind showed considerable initiative
and commitment to the long term goals of the project. The active involvement of the key
stakeholders throughout the programme was achieved through personal contact by the NC and
the NTF, and by collection of background data that supported public health and environmental
protection through promotion of waterless CTs.
The integrated approach taken by IWP Tuvalu provides a solid platform for a national strategy
to bring all the players together with a clear allocation of roles and responsibilities in water
supply and sanitation management. Hopefully the government will make use of the
considerable development of capacity that has occurred during the IWP, and not allow "brain
drain" and loss of momentum that can so often occur after a project of this nature is completed.
6.1.2 Practical skills
Participants in the sanitation training provided feedback that they really appreciated (i) gaining
a clear understanding of how poor sanitation can impact on their family's health, and (ii)
acquiring practical skills to do something about these problems. Some commented that it was
the best workshop they had attended in this regard. Receiving a "trade certificate" added
further value to the training. Further feedback indicated that the success of the training was to
be judged by the level of attendance. It was reported that if participants do not feel that a
workshop is valuable they simply do not turn up after a couple of days, even if they are paid
25
sitting fees. The training was quite long, especially for community members and the private
sector trainees who were not being paid for time away from their businesses and subsistence
activities.
6.1.3 Sound basis of information and data
IWP Tuvalu recognised that a staged approach, supported by solid evidence, would be required
to move from initial awareness of waste water management problems to the development of
appropriate solutions, and then on to sustained behaviour change.
The staged approach consisted of the following activities:
· working with the focus community to identify the social and physical issues
through the PPA process;
· confirmation of the problem through baseline and water quality assessments;
· audience research to ascertain current attitudes and appropriately target messages;
· media competitions to provide interactive awareness raising;
· exploring a range of sanitation technologies and options and comparing their
advantages and disadvantages;
· collecting data on direct and indirect waterborne diseases in the community;
· conducting a costbenefit analysis of the options to address the problem,
including doing nothing; and
· providing training to a cross-section of the community on the health, economic
and technical issues of waste water management, providing them with the
practical skills to do something about the problem, and the ability to pass these
skills on to others.
The collection of solid information and data has been a thorough and logical way to undertake
the program and this process could be a useful model for other sanitation campaigns. Increased
awareness of waste water management problems and the development of appropriate solutions
appears to have been achieved by these activities. However, the next stage is the achievement
of actual behaviour change on a national level; this will need to be monitored within the
Tuvalu community.
On a national level it is planned that this behaviour change will be achieved by replicating the
work of IWP through other agencies, through the development and implementation of village
water plans, and national government departmental plans, such as the National Integrated
Water Resources Management Plan.
6.2 Possible Improvements
Project activities are constrained by the social and political context in which they are
conducted and the priorities, capacity, and motivation of the people involved. However, within
those constraints there is often room for improvement.
6.2.1 Maintaining communication with colleagues and stakeholders
More detailed and consistent communication between all players and stakeholders involved in
Tuvalu IWP could have enhanced its achievements
This refers to communication between personnel within the region, within the country, and
within the local team, and includes sharing of relevant documentation and inclusion of all
parties in planning developments and changes.
Keeping in touch takes time and effort, but not keeping everyone fully informed can result in
much wasted time, energy and resources. This is due to misunderstandings and confusion, loss
26
of interest and commitment, conflicting schedules, and reduced capacity to undertake roles and
responsibilities.
The work context in the Pacific is particularly challenging as personnel are usually scattered
over vast distances. For example, in the case of IWP the PCU was in Samoa, and each of the
NCs was in a different country around the region; consultants and advisers are from other
countries within and outside the region. E-mail has helped; although too much time can be
consumed responding to emails, it has revolutionised the Pacific workplace if used efficiently.
Formerly communication in PICs was only by fax, with one fax machine per department (and
often that suffered from technical problems). Now many individuals within organisations have
e-mail access, so there would appear to be no reason for not keeping all the players informed
of significant developments. If there is not enough time to maintain communication with
programme colleagues then the work commitments and resources should be revised to make it
possible.
The achievements of the Tuvalu IWP could have been even more significant if communication
had been fully maintained between all those who were involved in achieving the goals of the
project.
6.2.2 Time management
IWP lasted longer then most donor-funded projects in the Pacific Islands. However, as the
main community-based activities in Tuvalu were conducted towards the end of the six years,
there is no time to assess the impacts of those promotional activities within the timeframe of
the project. This includes technical and social monitoring of CT usage and maintenance, and
assessment of the communications campaign.
It can be recommended that certain actions, evaluations and monitoring continue beyond IWP,
but this is not guaranteed unless there is the personnel and funding to support these
requirements. The NC and the Task Force would be in the best position to analyse whether the
timing of project activities could have been improved, and if so what could have been done
differently to alter the schedule of the campaign.
7 Ongoing
sustainability
The IWP in Tuvalu will conclude at the end of 2006. Considerable time energy and money has
been invested in attempting to achieve the goals of the project. To have long term impact there
is need to ensure that activities continue beyond 2006.
7.1 Monitoring Requirements
As IWP is drawing to a close there will be little time for the IWP team to monitor the impact of
the practical activities described in this report, but it is recommended that personnel in the
agencies taking over from IWP, including the PWD, conduct the following monitoring
activities:
1. Function of the CT at Tesoa Ioasa's house, including:
· the trenches to ensure there is no surcharge in heavy rain;
· the ventilation pipes to ensure that there is sufficient airflow;
· the use of bulking agent (ensure it is readily available, and note what vegetation is
used);
· the design of the toilet seat to assess whether the shape causes any cleaning or
maintenance difficulties.
27
2. Response of community to the CT at Tesoa' Ioasa's house, including:
· The family's experience using and maintaining the toilet. The most critical
maintenance time usually occurs when the first chamber is full and the seat needs
to be moved to start using the second chamber. The next critical phase usually
occurs when the first chamber needs to be emptied after a period of composting.
Ongoing support of the host family is recommended for the first couple of years
of usage when a new type of sanitation system is being introduced. A
malfunctioning toilet can undo years of hard work promoting the concept. Ideas
for improvement of the design should be recorded.
· If other people outside the host family use the toilet, what are their comments?
· General feedback should be obtained from the communities of Alapi and Senala
to the composting toilet, and any feedback from families or individuals outside
the pilot communities.
3. A meeting of all the participants in the training should be held before IWP
concludes. An attempt should be made to assess in what way the training has impacted their
activities and decisions (if at all), and the reasons for any behaviour change.
7.2 Nationwide Activities
For the work conducted by IWP Tuvalu to have an impact beyond the end of the project, action
will need to continue on a national, village, and household level, including the following.
· Formulation of village water and sanitation plans throughout Tuvalu
· Promotion and enforcement of village regulations regarding sanitation and water
supply.
· Education and awareness programs maintained in Funafuti and extended to other
parts of the Tuvalu island group.
· Endorsement of the Water Bill 2006 by Parliament.
· Endorsement of the National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan by
communities and government, and measures put in place for implementation.
· Lessons learned during IWP Tuvalu communicated to the wider community.
· Public awareness and education activities maintained, including completion and
distribution of the documentary.
Funding will be required to support the above activities and various sources have been
considered in the Sustainable Strategy Report prepared by the NC (IWP 2006b).
The Sustainable Strategy recommends finding partners for ongoing activities by:
targeting donors with strong community-based funding programs, and local
implementing organisations with interest in community development, environment
generally, and waste management specifically. Partners selected for implementation are
the Ministry of Works and Energy, the Tuvalu Public Works Department, Tuvalu
Waste Management Project, Health Department with a potential financing partner
AusAID. For funding, target organisations including Canada Fund, Global Green
Grants, FAO, UNEP GPA, SPREP-Waste Program, NZAID-GEF Small Grants
Program, SOPAC, and EU.
Source: IWP Tuvalu 2006b
Given that the cost to Tuvalu of poor sanitation in Funafuti has been estimated at NZD 500,000
annually, it may be that the government should consider borrowing the necessary funds to
28
establish effective and sustainable sanitation.
Where sanitation systems are built for individual households it is recommended that the family
make some financial contribution to the cost of the system in addition to assisting with labour
Experience in other Pacific Island countries indicates that the system is much more valued and
likely to be maintained if people have had to make a contribution toward installation
8 Recommendations
The following suggestions are made to ensure that the achievements of IWP Tuvalu have a
lasting impact
1. The skills of all government and project personnel whose capacity was enhanced
during the implementation of IWP should be fully utilised to support sustainable
sanitation for the country.
2. The principles and practicalities of sustainable water supply and sanitation should be
enshrined in regulation and planning.
3 An integrated and consistent approach to water supply and sanitation management
should be strengthened by formalising the networks and working relationships that were
established during IWP, between and within government departments, non-government
organisation and the private sector.
4. The capacity of householders to conduct effective pollution control and health
protection should be supported by extending the sustainable sanitation training to other
communities throughout Tuvalu. This would include basic skills in water quality testing
in particular using the H2S strip test.
5. The function of the composting toilet constructed during the training should be closely
monitored for at least two years after installation, and the host family provided with
support during the period of two composting and maintenance cycles.
6. All the trainees from the sustainable sanitation training should be provided with the
construction manual when it is published (see Crennan 2007), and the manual should be
made available to the wider public with the understanding that any individual
construction work will require supervision and final approval of the PWD.
7. The design and construction of the composting toilet should be included in the
building code.
29
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Pratt, C. and Mitchell, J. (2003a). EVI country profile review Tuvalu. SOPAC Miscellaneous
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Report 529, July 2003.
Reynolds C. 1993. Draft water and sanitation plan for Tuvalu for 19932002. UNDP.
Saitala, T and Paelate, A 1996. Country report for Tuvalu. Paper presented at workshop
on appropriate and affordable sanitation in small islands, Bikenbieu, Kiribati August
1996.
Saloa, K.2006 Proper report of mini survey. IWP Tuvalu.
Salzmann-Wade, B. and Hallett, V. 1992. The groundwater resources of the Tuvaluan Islands
Results of field investigation. Internal Report TUV/26. Water Resources Assessment and
Planning in Pacific Islands (RAS/87/009). United Nations Department of Technical
Cooperation for Development.
Scott, D. 2002. Theme 2. Vulnerability and dialogue on water and climate. In Proceedings of the
Pacific Regional Consultation on Water in Small Island Countries, 3 August 2002, Sigatoka,
Fiji Islands, South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission and Asian Development Bank.
SOPAC 2001. An integrated approach to rainwater harvesting analysis using GIS and
recommendations for roof-catchment legislation in Tuvalu. SOPAC Technical Report 290,
prepared by P.Dawe.
SOPAC 2004a. Harvesting the heavens: A manual for participatory training in rainwater
harvesting. SOPAC Miscellanous Report 0544.
SOPAC 2004b. Harvesting the heavens: Guidelines for rainwater harvesting in Pacific Island
Countries. SOPAC Report JC0178.
SOPAC and ADB 2002. Pacific regional action plan of sustainable water management. 3 August
2002, Sigatoka, Fiji Islands, South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission and Asian
Development Bank.
SPREP 2005. Draft Pacific Islands framework for action on climate change, 2006-2010. Apia,
Samoa: SPREP.
SPREP 2001. Report on IWP Project Coordination Unit Visit to Tuvalu 4-7 June 2001.
Taulima, F. 2002. Water management in Tuvalu with special emphasis on rainwater harvesting. In
C. Carpenter, J. Stubbs and M. Overmars, eds. Papers and Proceedings of the Pacific
Regional Consultation on Water in Small Island Countries, Theme 1 Case Study A,
Sigatoka, Fiji, 29 July- 3 August 2002, SOPAC and ADB.
Taulima, F. 2003. International Waters Project. Mr Filipo Taulima, Director, Tuvalu Public Works.
http://www.sprep.org/iwp/IWPManProfile/Filipo Taulima.htm
Taulima, P. 2003. Country report for Tuvalu. In Pacific Regional Consultation on Water in
Small Island Countries.
van Putten, F. 1988. Tuvalu, the groundwater option: A hydro-geophysical assessment of
groundwater resources on the Tuvaluan Islands. Technical Report TUV/8, Water Resources
Assessment and Planning in Pacific Islands (RAS/87/009), United Nations Department of
Technical Cooperation for Development.
White, I. 2005 Pacific vulnerability and adaptation project. Tuvalu Background Paper.
Canberra: Australian National University and AusAID.
White, I., Falkland, A., Crennan, L., Jones, P., Metutera, T., Etuati, B. and Metai, E. 1999.
Groundwater recharge in low coral islands Bonriki, South Tarawa, Kiribati. Issues, traditions
and conflicts in groundwater use and management. UNESCO IHP-V, Technical Documents
in Hydrology, No. 25, UNESCO, Paris, 37 pp.
31
Annex A: Summary of Project Developments - March 2005 to
October 2006
In August 2004 a scoping visit was made to Tuvalu by Steve Menzies, Communications Specialist
from the IWP Project Coordination Unit (PCU) at SPREP, with Resource Strategist Dr Leonie
Crennan. Assessments were conducted of existing sanitation systems/practices and discussions
were held with the Tuvalu IWP National Task Force (NTF). These investigations verified and
supported the Baseline Assessment (IWP 2004) and led to the development of the "Solutions
Report: Waste Management, Pollution Prevention and Improved Sanitation in Tuvalu" (Crennan
2004) which proposed a training in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of on-site
sanitation. The sanitation training was conceived as an integral part of the communications strategy
which was being developed by the PCU and the NTF.
It was intended that the proposed training would provide householders, contractors, and relevant
government personnel with the opportunity to:
· learn practical design, construction and maintenance skills;
· understand the process of treatment, cost and impact of current technologies and practices;
· be better informed to make appropriate decisions about what technical systems and practices
should be adopted;.
· be motivated to take the necessary steps to build and maintain appropriate systems and adopt
sustainable behavior;
· plan to fund construction of appropriate systems; and
· be equipped with sufficient understanding and skills to teach others about sustainable sanitation
for Tuvalu.
In March 2005 an action plan was formalized through an Agreement made between the Resource
Strategist and SPREP that the consultant would undertake the following:
· identify appropriate inputs to a Community Communications Programme;
· plan and implement a training workshop on appropriate sanitation systems on Funafuti
(this workshop will include reference to monitoring activities); and
· lead the establishment of an on-site sanitation system (or systems) as a demonstration site
within the pilot community.
From March 2005 until June 2005 the consultant conducted preparations for the sanitation training
and provided ongoing input to the development of the communications strategy with the assistance
of Dr Greg Berry, Agricultural Sanitation Specialist. It was originally planned that the Sanitation
Training would be conducted early June 2005
Input to the Communications Strategy was conducted through telephone and email discussion with
the PCU Communications Specialist and the National Coordinator regarding possible activities and
critical theme messages that would be useful in the communications campaign.
The activities which were discussed included: audience research; competitions in poem, songs and
drama on campaign themes, and promotion of campaign objectives through radio, and the
production of a video (see Section 3.2 of the Training Report for details).
The consultant also participated in radio interviews and programs conducted by the Australian
Broadcasting Commission and Pacific Magazine discussing the water supply and sanitation
challenges faced by Tuvalu and the possible solutions that were being developed by the
International Waters Project.
Preparations for the Sanitation Training included the following:
· development of guidelines for the selection of participants for the training;
· development of guidelines for the selection of a household for the construction of a
32
demonstration waterless composting toilet;
· meetings, telephone and emails communications, with the Director and staff of the Institute
for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology in Sydney to certify the
training in order to raise the status of sanitation and create the added attraction of
providing potential employment skills;
· design of an appropriate waterless-composting toilet for Tuvalu;
· preparation of a list of building materials for the demonstration toilet; and
· development of the content and agenda for a practical training course to be conducted in
Funafuti.
(See Sections 3.3 -3.7 of Training Report for details).
In June 2005 it was decided by the National Coordinator and the PCU to postpone the Sanitation
Training and conduct other prior activities. These activities included:
· wastewater technology workshops and water quality assessment workshops for
government personnel funded by AusAID;
· a cost benefit analysis study to assess the economic feasibility of alternative sanitation
systems for Funafuti;
· ongoing development of the National Water and Sanitation Plan; and
· a national campaign to promote waterless-compost toilet in Tuvalu
These activities aimed to generate and communicate objective information on the relative merits of
alternative sanitation solutions for Funafuti as a means to inform policy makers and support
effective long term plans for waste management in Tuvalu
In June 2006 the National Coordinator contacted the Resource Strategist to request that
preparations for the Sanitation Training be resumed and revised, taking into account developments
over the preceding twelve months.
The Practical Sanitation training was conducted in Funafuti, October 623 (see Training Report
Sections 2-7 for details of preparation, implementation and immediate outcomes of Sanitation
Training).
33
Annex B: Participants in the Sustainable Sanitation Training
Name
Affiliation
Age
1. Timo Viliamu
Senala Community (seaman)
59
2. Vavao Saumanaia
Landfill Supervisor
56
Waste Management Project
Government of Tuvalu
3. Foai Paeniu
Nukulaelae Island Community (seaman) 61
4. Apisaloma Simeona
Alapi Community 56
5. Petisone O'Brien
Private Construction Company 48
6. Tusaga Faimalaga
Nukufetau Island Community 43
7. Pasega Katipupu
Public Works Department
53
8. David Toomu:-
Environmental Health Officer
34
PMH
Princess
Margaret
Hospital
9. Semese Alefaio:-
Tuvalu Association of Non Government Organisation
(TANGO)
10. Sumeo Silu:-
Private Construction Company 33
& Disaster Coordinator for
National Disaster Management Office
11. Teosa Tema:-
Demonstration Compost Toilet Landowner 29
12. Suiga Kokea:-
Funafuti Youth Community 23
13. Angus Amasone:-
Nui Island Youth Community 24
14. Tutokotahi. Opapo:-
Nanumaga Island Youth Community 24
15. Vete Telina Maka:-
Nanumea Island Youth Community
24
16. Paitela Tapuli:-
Vaitupu Island Youth Community 19
17. Emily Koepke:-
Coordinator Tuvalu Family Health Association 58
(TUFHA)
18. Nuseta
Papamau:- Funafuti
Womens
Group
51
19. Gunter Koepke:-
Water Resource Management &
29
Leader of Compost Toilet Construction
(PWD) Public Works Department
20. Noketi Karoua:-
Ast Pollution Control Officer 30
Environment
and
Conservation
Division
Kiribati
pollution.ecd@melad.gov.ki
21. Nenebo Benetito
Assistant Health Inspector 37
Environment
Health
Services
Ministry
of
Health and Medical Services
P.O.Box 268 Nawerewere / Tarawa. Ph: 28265 or 28595
34
22. Kelesoma Saloa
Coordinator for International Waters Programme 37
Environment
Dept.
23. Kamal Khatri Water and Sanitation and Hygiene Officer, SOPAC 26
35
Annex C: Certificate
This is to certify that
Nuseta Satalaka
attended the
Practical Training in Sustainable Sanitation
and successfully completed the following subjects
1. Theory & Management of On-site Sewage Treatment Systems
2. Design and Construction of Double Batch Composting Toilet
11th 20th October 2006
Tuvalu
........................
...........................
Ampelosa Manoa
Dr Leonie Crennan
Director of Public Works
Supervising Trainer
36
Annex D: Training schedule
(Draft)
Practical Training
in
Sustainable Sanitation
for
Tuvalu
International Waters Programme
Funafuti, Tuvalu
9th October to 20th October 2006
1. Theory and Management of On-site Sanitation Treatment
2 Design, construction and maintenance of
Composting Toilets (CT)
Coordinator : Mr Kelesoma Saloa
Supervising trainer: Dr Leonie Crennan
Construction Leading Hand: Gunter Koepke
Local Construction Advisor: Ampelosa Manoa
Administration Coordinator s: Falealilli Fefiloi Tauasi
Day/Date
Activity/topic
Feedback and
WEEK 1
Assessment
Monday
· Arrival of Trainer on Funafuti..
9/10/2006
· Meeting with Coordinator and government and community
counterparts
Tuesday
· Inspection of proposed location for CT construction, and
Discussion with site
37
10/10/2006
design siting of toilet and drainage system
householder, assistant
· Inspection of building materials and tools
builder, assistant
· Check training venue, teaching materials/facilities etc
trainers
Wednesday Opening of Training
11/10/2006
Group discussion of
Course Program Goals and Certification
understanding,
Introduction
doubts, objections
· What is in sewage?
preferences.
· Why and how can it cause illness?
· Why and how can it damage the environment
· How to protect people and environment against these
problems
· Advantages and disadvantages of technology and practices:
Reticulated systems, septics, pits, using the beach, CTs
· Group inspects CT construction site
Thursday
· Design and pour slab for CT
Group assists with
12/10/2006
· Discuss material and design guidelines/ options
design and labour
(Allow 3 days for slab to dry before construction)
Friday
· History of CTs and other dry sanitation systems in developed
Group discussion
13/10/2006
and developing countries
with existing users of
· Construction and use of CTs in Pacific Islands
CTs regarding
· Inspect existing CTs on Funafuti
advantages and
· Maintenance requirements and challenges
disadvantages
· Possible design improvements
· Inspect septics and other systems to discuss possible pollution
Weekend
38
WEEK 2
Composting toilet construction continues
Group assists with
Monday
·
design and labour.
Lay concrete blocks for composting chambers
16/10/2006
· Discuss material and design guidelines /options
Tuesday
·
Prepare and lay false floor in composting chambers
Group assists with
17/10/2006
·
Prepare reinforcing and frame for floor of CT toilet room
design and labour.
·
Pour slab for floor of toilet room
·
Install ventilation
·
Discuss material and design guidelines/ options.
Wednesday · Prepare and construct drainage system
Group assists with
18/10/200
· Discuss material and design guidelines/ options.
design and labour
Thursday
·
Prepare and begin construction of toilet room
Group assists with
19/10/2006
·
Install stairs to toilet room
design and labour
·
Install doors of compost chamber
· Discuss material and design guidelines/ options.
Friday
Review understanding of design, construction, and maintenance
Group discussion
20/10/26
Closing ceremony and presentation of Training Certificates
Trainer evaluation
of participation.
Participant
evaluationof
training
Weekend
Complete any outstanding construction details and work with
householders on usage and maintenance
Mon 23
Meet with NC for de-brief. Supervising Trainer departs Funafuti
Input to Community Communications Programme
Training in Theory and Management of On-site Sanitation Treatment and
Design, Construction and Maintenance of Composting Toilets (CTs)
39
Annex E: Consultant outputs, scope of work, and inputs from IWP
Tuvalu
Consultant outputs
It was agreed1 that the key outputs of the activities described in this report would be:
· An enhanced community communications programme that raises awareness of the
nature and local treatment of the sanitation problem in Funafuti and promotes the
use of safe sanitation systems (including those promoted in the Sanitation
Training Workshop);
· A Sanitation Training Workshop addressing on-site sanitation for up to 30
members of the pilot communities, other communities, and relevant government
and non-government agencies such as the Public Works, Health and Environment
Departments. In addition to technical skills this workshop should also result in
increased understanding among participants of the key issues arising from poor
sanitation management and threats to human health and the surrounding
environment.
· Development of at least one on-site sanitation system as a demonstration site
within the pilot community. The nature of the demonstration system will be
determined in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
· The development of a certification system to recognise participants who
successfully complete the Sanitation Training Workshop.
· Guidance on the development of an appropriate groundwater monitoring
programme to support sound sanitation management.
· A general report on activities undertaken, and a simple manual to support the
sanitation training.
Scope of work
The ST would work with the IWP Tuvalu national coordinator to:
· identify appropriate inputs to a Community Communications Programme;
· plan and implement a training workshop on appropriate sanitation systems on
Funafuti, which would include reference to appropriate monitoring activities; and
· lead the establishment of an on-site sanitation system (or systems) as a
demonstration site within the pilot community.
In the process of this work, the ST would liaise closely with individuals and institutions
involved in IWP and waste management, including the Lead Agency and Public Works
Departments, as relevant.
Inputs to be provided by IWP Tuvalu
To support the work of the ST to undertake the tasks identified, it was agreed that IWP Tuvalu
would:
· Identify all relevant persons (e.g. stakeholders, government staff, experts) that the ST
should meet.
1 SPREP/Crennan TOR Agreement, March 2005, extended in July 2006.
40
· Identify an appropriate site for the system to be built with full approval of relevant
community /householders.
· Make arrangements for all meetings and workshops including, but not limited to, sending
invitations to attendees, booking people's time, catering, booking venues and travel.
· Supply all potentially relevant documents and datasets (either electronic or paper based) to
the ST prior to the training with sufficient lead time for their full and proper use.
· Provide the ST with office space and access to basic office equipment (e.g. printers,
photocopiers, telephones, stationery) during the time spent in Tuvalu.
· Provide the ST with access to relevant members of government staff to discuss issues
related to the project.
· Provide all locally necessary materials for the establishment of a demonstration sanitation
system at the host sites.
41