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Hi,

In one of our programmes the team want to construct pit latrines for a community who live near a swamp/lake in Zambia. As I am not a WASH expert I would like to understand what some of the issues are in building pit latrines near swamps/lakes.

The community lives on the edge of the swamp and make a living from fishing. The water from the lake is further used for hand washing and no doubt drinking. It being a swamp area the water table is high, which means, as I understand, the pit has to be lined. I also understand that lined pits need to be sludged, but this being a rural area and in/near a swamp driving around with sludge tankers is not really feasible. Are there any other options for latrine construction in/near swamps?

Thanks,

Gerbrand