It's the Pits!
A number of challenges can arise when latrines are constructed without consideration of how and when the pits will be emptied. Soil stability, fill rates, pit lining options, vehicle access and availability of emptying services should all be considered early on.
In this fictional scenario, latrines were built quickly in a humanitarian crisis to prevent a public health crisis due to open defecation. Your challenge is to evaluate the current sanitation situation at a camp. Through the process, you will learn how to avoid the pitfalls that are commonly found after latrine construction in real life crises.
It's the Pits!
A number of challenges can arise when latrines are constructed without consideration of how and when the pits will be emptied. Soil stability, fill rates, pit lining options, vehicle access and availability of emptying services should all be considered early on.
In this fictional scenario, latrines were built quickly in a humanitarian crisis to prevent a public health crisis due to open defecation. Your challenge is to evaluate the current sanitation situation at a camp. Through the process, you will learn how to avoid the pitfalls that are commonly found after latrine construction in real life crises.
Select a language
Need help?
Can’t find what you need? Have more questions about a topic? Need advice on how to use a resource? Chat with a CAWST advisor.
Contact usAbout CAWST
CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed engineering firm. We address the global need for safe drinking water and sanitation by building local knowledge and skills on household solutions people can implement themselves.
Supported by
Development of this website and creation of collections of emergency themed tools on Water Treatment, Water Quality Testing, Behavior Change and Sanitation funded by Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance - USAID.
This project is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
