Sanitation safety plan for Sakhipur municipality

In a momentous collaboration, ITN-BUET, WaterAid, and the CWIS-FSM Support Cell have prepared and published the sanitation safety plan for Shakhipur Municipality. The e-book version of the plan was officially launched by Mr. Md Khairul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRDC), at the 7th International Fecal Sludge Management Conference and 21st AfWA Congress & Exhibition in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The aim of this SSP is to safeguard public health by identifying the risks associated with the sanitation chain by implementing the targeted interventions. Aligned with the guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), the sanitation safety plan extensively analyzes the health risks associated with the entire sanitation value chain of Sakhipur municipality.

One of the key features of this pioneering plan is its roadmap for ongoing monitoring, which ensures the effectiveness of control measures and verifies the performance of the sanitation system. By implementing a systematic approach, the plan emphasizes the importance of regular assessment, adjustment, and evaluation to maintain high standards of sanitation safety.

A comprehensive analysis was conducted to identify potential hazards and risks throughout the sanitation value chain to develop a sanitation safety plan. The risks associated with each step were assessed using a semi-quantitative approach, considering factors such as contamination sources, handling practices, and exposure pathways. In addition, thorough examinations of exposure groups and transmission routes were conducted to ensure a thorough risk assessment. The sanitation safety plan recommends several supporting activities, including raising public awareness about proper septic tank desludging, expanding the use of mechanical emptying for collecting fecal sludge, providing occupational health and safety training for key exposure groups, conducting routine maintenance of sanitation equipment, and promoting the use of compost in agriculture.

The sanitation safety plan is a significant contribution in the field of public health and urban sanitation. It not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by Sakhipur Municipality but also sets a precedent for other municipalities to develop and implement similar strategies.

The publication is available at https://itn.buet.ac.bd/web/resources/sanitation-safety-plan-sakhipur-municipality-tangail/