Low Cost Rural Sanitation Model

LPP is internationally recognized for its innovative Low Cost Community-Owned Rural Sanitation Model. Thanks to the model that reduced cost of rural sanitation schemes up to 75%.

LPP's Low Cost Sanitation Model is based upon component sharing approach. It is primarily a replica of OPP's Model but LPP has extended it in rural areas of Punjab with some enhancements. There are two major components in this model.

1. Internal Component
2. External Component

1. Internal Component

Internal component comprises of household latrine, household connection through T-Hodi and lane sewer. According to LPP's model, this component is the responsibility of the community.

2. External Component

It consists of main sewer, disposal works and treatment plant. LPP's model recommends that this component should be constructed by relevant government department or donor agency.

Actors and their roles for sustainable development

In LPP's framework, three actors need to play their roles for sustainable development.

1. LPP

LPP plays following roles.

• Motivates the community members
• Conducts social and technical survey of target area
• Prepares estimates for developmental works
• Provides necessary technical assistance to the community
• Builds capacity of stakeholders
• Monitors progress of activities

2. Community

• Needs to be organized
• Forms a Village Sanitation Committee
• Collects contributions/community share
• Purchases material
• Supervises the work
• Connects households to the system

3. Tehsil Municipal Administration/TMA

• Needs to bring changes in policies
• Is responsible for external development
• Installs treatment plants
• Provides mechanical assistance
• Consults the public

Low Cost Sanitation Mechanism

There are two aspects of low cost sanitation mechanism.

1. Technical aspects
2. Social aspects

1. Technical Aspects

Three main parameters which affect the cost of a scheme are:

• Material Cost
• Labor Cost
• Supervision and Overhead Expenditures

The cost can be minimized through

• Realistic designing
• Simple pipes
• Concrete manholes
• Simple manhole covers
• Connections through T-Hodi
• Simple disposal works

2. Social Aspects

• Mobilization of social capital (Local Government representatives, local activists, NGOs, CBOs etc.)
• Enhancement of local skills
• Capturing volunteerism
• Elimination of contractor's role
• Use of local market

Viability of Sanitation Projects

• Based upon ground realities
• Local practices and skills
• Community participation

Sustainability of Sanitation Projects

Involvement of community at all stages:

• Need identification
• Planning and designing
• Implementation
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Operations and maintenance