FRACTIONAL CONTENT OF NON-FEACAL MATTER AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO FILLING RATES OF PIT LATRINES IN KAMPALA SLUMS

Abstract

In densely populated low income cities, hygiene and sanitation problems emanating from poor wastewater management remain a challenge. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to examine the composition of nonfeacal matter in pit latrines and its contribution to their filling rates in Kampala slums. Thirty (30) rental pit latrines were purposively selected from slum areas in Kawempe and Rubaga divisions and samples were collected prior to and after pit emptying. Non feacal matter was sorted at the pit latrine and at the disposal point before weighing. Results revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in pit volumes, an average volume of 1.09 m3 was recorded. The study revealed a fractional content of non- revealed that non-feacal matter composition is inversely related to pit volume. A weak negative correlation was established between pit volume and non-feacal matter composition. There is need to model the impact of non-feacal matter on pit latrine filling rates. Sensitization of pit latrine users about adverse impacts of dumping non-biodegradable solid waste in pit latrines should be done. Research efforts aimed at designing a pit latrine with drop hole that can trap solid waste entry should be explored.