Resources / Urban sanitation and disability

Summary

If the goal is sanitation for all, the vulnerable should be empowered to make their presence felt regarding issues of sanitation. We cannot proudly talk about sanitation for all when there is little representation is afforded to vulnerable communities to voice their opinions and have their issues addressed.

Full text

The issue of sanitation and disability seems to be one of the least discussed topics as we globally continue to address urban sanitation concerns. From the numerous research studies that have been conducted in developing regions of the world, the fact that slum areas are low lying water catchment areas is frequently. Households in these areas do not enjoy adequate housing and security and poeple that live in these areas are constantly exposed to dangerous living conditions and endangering their lives. Findings from the National Service Delivery Survey (2004) reveal that poor housing conditions are associated with pests and diseases and are affect human health.

Much of the population which reside in urban slums, live in informal, congested and unplanned environments. These areas have high water tables and are prone to flooding during the rainy season. Owing to their susceptibility to flooding, sanitation facilities, especially toilets are constructed in such a way that they are raised above the ground level. This requires the construction of stairscases, as well as easy access to and from toilet facilities. Despite the construction of stair cases, very few (if any) facilities have provision for romps used by vulnerable groups such as: those who are ill and/or old and individuals with disabilities.

In a bid to meet the pressing needs of the majority, the needs of the minority are frequenlty neglected or overlooked. The needs and voices of the minority are very rarely taken into consideration especially during consultative and planning phases. Lack of proper sanitation is a major public health challenge; it consigns humanity to conditions that encourage the multiplication of disease causing organisms which have negative impacts on the health and life. Adequate sanitation is a fundamental human right; all humanity is entitled to living in an environment that is devoid of elements that promote ill health and less productivity. Sanitation issues are a concern for each and every individual, and transcends gender, age, religion and socio-economic status. The voice and input of the minority is therefore extremely important and highlights the need for inclusion, collective planning and action. Access to sanitation facilities for each and every person is paramount considering it safeguards health and enforces dignity of individuals.

Minority and vulnerable groups that are unable to access toilet facilities are further subjected to mediocre, undignified and unproductive lives as they are shunned and rejected by the wider community. The principle of equality and inclusion requires the participation of all affected groups in the decision-making process, as this ultimately impacts their lives.  If the goal is sanitation for all, the vulnerable should be empowered to make their presence felt regarding issues of sanitation. We cannot proudly talk about sanitation for all, when little room is created to voice the opinions and needs of the marginalised. There is an urgent need to strike a delicate balance between meeting majority sanitation needs, while meeting the needs of minority groups as well, particularly amongst urban slum dwellers.