Ben

We’ve carefully chosen a biodegradable digesting chemical for the trial that won’t affect downstream treatment negatively. For where we’re working, electricity isn’t readily accessible, so we’re actually using the Torp without a fan for our pilot. We are looking at natural ventilation options for the production version however, which will help the smell issue as well. We tried showing people how to add ash from cookstoves as a smell barrier during our first research phase and found it being used inconsistently because of how many different people are using the toilets, from children to the elderly. We’ve also found the chemical makes the toilet appear more sanitary as well as reducing odor, which is an important psychological benefit as well.

Using newspaper as a liner in the internal bucket is a great idea, and will probably save water and cleaning time.

thanks again for all your help with the project.

Thanks for your support!

There are a few reasons for Western toilets in this case – the main one is that we’re mainly working with renters in urban poor areas, so they don’t have the funds or ability to build and service pit latrines. In order to have a serviceable toilet with minimal installation costs we need to be above ground, hence the higher Western style toilet. Another reason is that the classic Western toilet style has some aspirational qualities attached to it, and we want this service to be something people are excited and proud to be part of.

My first question is why are you building western toilets vs. squat toilets? Also, can you tell me why hygiene practices are so poor in Ghana say in comparison to Burkina Faso where toilets in public transport yards are clean? What are the major barriers to behavior change?