Shifting millions from open defecation to hygienic latrines: process documentation of 100% sanitation approach

This report gives account of the VERC (Village Education Resource Centre) project undertaken in seven districts (Bhola, CoxÆs Bazar, Chittagong, Rajashahi, Naogaon and Chapai Nawabganj) to develop a total community empowerment approach towards achieving 100% sanitized villages. The report gives a background to the VERC Water and Sanitation Programme and describes the 100% Sanitized Approach which is based on the assumption that communities have their own strength and willingness to overcome their own water and sanitation problems. The activities involved in the programme are explained step-by-step including PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal); formation of a water and sanitation action committee; meetings with the committee and with the community; formation of union steering committee; meetings with union steering committee; formation of cultural group; community cleaning exercise; construction and installation of equipment and hardware; set up of rural sanitation engineering groups; formation of water point management committee; health and hygiene education sessions; monitoring behavioural changes; and implementing the approach. Two appendices are included describing details of the different latrine options on use in communities and the structure of project staff organisation.