Problems associated with the use of pit latrines in Blantyre, Republic of Malawi

A questionnaire and observational study was conducted to determine the problems associated with construction, design and hygiene methods used to maintain pit latrines in a high-density urban township in Malawi. The survey comprised 100 randomly selected households and the person responsible for the latrine maintenance was interviewed. Eighty-seven percent of householders used traditional latrines, 67% with earthen and 20% with concrete (i.e. sanitation platform, also known as San-plats) floors. A variety of makeshift squat-hole covers (e.g. iron sheets, rocks, cardboard) are used by those who cannot afford San-plats to reduce fly and odour problems. Most squat-hole covers were fouled with faecal matter and some presented risk of invasive injury due to sharp edges. Five households used ventilated improved latrines whilst the remaining eight per cent made use of their neighbour's latrine. Ownership of property, poverty and theft in the area significantly influenced the type and structural condition of the latrine. Walls, ceilings and doors of the superstructure comprised a mixture of miscellaneous materials (i.e. cardboard, paper, cloth, brick) making the hygienic upkeep of the latrine difficult. Cloth doors were often used for hand drying. Geographical location, such as rocky terrain with inadequate soil consolidation, and environmental conditions, such as heavy rains and floods, exacerbate structural defects. Coupled with the lack of attention afforded to the disposal of young children's faeces, wash-water and pit surcharging, the potential exists for widespread contamination of the surrounding environment and transmission of faecal-oral disease. More than half of the respondents stressed that they had not received any information regarding health education and hygienic maintenance of the latrine. As such, there is need for a hygiene education programme to promote awareness of appropriate sanitation and behavioural change. Cultural and religious factors were found not to influence latrine use.