Dear Editor,
In a SN editorial of Oct. 08 and a writer’s contribution of Oct. 09 on the above referenced subject matter, it seems that a case has been made for the universal replacement of pit latrines in hinterland schools with flush toilets. Sanitary and hygienic prerequisites dictates that this should be done with the utmost urgency.
Unfortunately this is easily said than done for several reasons. Firstly, the transition will be costly since a flush toilet system will have to be equipped with such basic amenities as a reliable source of water, ceramic toilet bowl, wash basin with running water, anti-bacteria soap, paper towels/hand air blowers and of-course toilet paper for its proper function. The sanitary block should have separate rooms for males and females users with a ceramic urinal installed in the male section as many male users tend to urinate all over the toilet bowl with spillages on the floor. Flush toilets also require regular cleaning, disinfesting and maintenance.
Flush toilets cannot work without an adequate supply of water – a major problem for hinterland schools. Nevertheless, a school may be located near to a creek/river or sit on land with a high water table. The water from any of these sources can be pumped and stored in overhead PVC tanks/steel drums and released by gravity for use as and when needed. The electricity needed for the pumps could be obtained from installed solar panels. Wastes from the sanitary block could be channeled to a septic tank for treatment and ultimate disposal into soak away pits.
Schools in hinterland communities, the Essequibo Islands and other remote areas should not be treated as facilities for use by ‘so called’ second class citizens. They should be equipped with the amenities similar to those found in coastal schools as the learning needs of hinterland children are no different from those of their coastal counterparts, decentralized or not.
Sincerely,
Charles Sohan