Page 183 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

b. This latrine can be constructed with low cost and within short period of time.
c. Even semi-skilled manpower can construct it with the locally available materials like
bricks, stone, slates, etc.
d. Ventilator can be kept in this latrine.
e. A wooden slab can be used to cover the opening of the pit so that surrounding remains
clean.
f. This latrine keeps the flies and insects away.

Disadvantages of simple latrine
a. This latrine is not durable one.
b. The leakage of waste water from this latrine may pollute water.

c. If the latrine is not covered, it attracts flies and other insects.
d. This latrine pollutes the land and spreads bad smelling.

Improved pit latrine
It is the modification of simple pit latrine. In this
latrine, two pits are made but only one is used
in the beginning until it is filled up. This latrine
is made up of concrete, cement, rods, etc. There
is provision of two way pipe for both pits so that
the other one can be closed while the next one is
in use. A concrete slab is placed on the top of the
pit and the latrine is enclosed with door and other
structure for privacy. Fig: 41
It is more durable than simple pit latrine as it has two pits. It lasts for 5-6 years for a family
with (5-6) members. When the pits are about full, they should be covered by mud and
another latrine should be made in the another place.

In improved pit latrine, the site selection is done by following the conditions similar to
those of simple pit latrine.

Advantages of improved pit latrine
a. It can be constructed even by semi-skilled manpower.

b. This latrine can be constructed even in the terai region where there is availability of
more under ground water.
c. It is durable as it is made up of cement, concrete, rods, etc.

d. It does not support the growth of insects.
e. The excreta deposited in this latrine can be converted into compost which can be
utilized in the agricultural land as fertilizers.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 183