Many sanitation projects have failed in the past because they focus primarily on the installation of toilets only. Key factors for achieving sustainability include appropriate sanitation hardware but also suitable operation and maintenance, including the collection, transport, treatment and reuse and/or final disposal of the different sanitation products. Even in the case of decentralized sanitation solutions, households cannot operate and maintain the entire system without external support. Experience has shown that the need for operation and maintenance assistance creates demand for operators from the private sector and thus generates business opportunities. Even when appropriate operation and maintenance is available, the costs for this service are still mainly covered by the households themselves leading to questions about financing. Authorities therefore have an important role in setting the framework to ensure the functionality of sanitation systems.

The main task of this working group is to discuss and disseminate relevant information related to best practice examples of operation and maintenance systems for sustainable sanitation by elaborating fact sheets, case studies, posters and other information materials.

Leads

The lead of this working group is Günter Langergraber and the co-lead is Elke Müllegger:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it BOKU Austria This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Ecosan Club Austria

 

How to join the working group?

Individuals who are not yet registered, but are interested in joining the thematic working group, are very welcome. Please register as a member and choose the respective working group(s) you wish to join: http://susana.org/index.php/lang-en/component/register/?view=member If you are already registered, but wish to join another or more working group(s), you can easily change the details by logging in here: http://www.susana.org/lang-en/your-details Why become a member of a working group? You can work with other experts on several issues to promote sustainable sanitation You will gain access to information on working group processes You can be active by hosting SuSanA meetings and/or by organising activities/events to promote sustainable sanitation You can take part in discussions within the working group by using the e-mail mailing list This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Note that this e-mail list is moderated in order to avoid spam. You can join and take part in stimulating discussions on the SuSanA Discussion Forum in the WG 10 section