Promoting Sulav Toilets

The SWASHTHA project (2009-2012) is implemented in seven municipalities - Bharatpur, Butwal, Gularia, Tikapur, Siddharthanagar, Ramgram and Ratnanagar and three small towns - Sunawal, Bardaghat and Kawasoti with the financial support of the EU, UN-HABITAT and ISLE of Man Gov, UK. The implementing partners are Practical Action Nepal, Environment and Public Health Organization and Municipal Association of Nepal. One of the success stories on promoting Sulav Toilets with only 3000 subsidy to poor communities has been presented by the project.


Mr. Nanda Lal BK (58) from Thimura, Chitwan shares his experience with us. He used to have one temporary toilet covered with jute sack in their paddy field and he shared his difficulties especially during monsoon season. Nandalal says, 'We used to get drenched during monsoon while using the toilet and it was more difficult in the night. We were also scared of the snakes'.

With the support from the SWASHTHA project, Nandalal and his family members constructed the toilet on their own using locally available raw materials like bamboo, straw, sand, stone and aggregate. The project assisted him with four rings, a cover and a fitting material, which is about 35% of the total cost of his new toilet.

With a relief on his face, Nandalal says, 'We do not have to worry about rain and snake anymore. We now have a permanent toilet. This has made our life much easier especially for the women and children.' Expressing his gratitude to SWASHTHA project, he added, 'Toilet construction has given me moral support and I can proudly advocate the use and benefits of it in my community.'