Assessment of Wastewater and Excreta Management in Rural Areas on the Coast of Grand Lahou, South-West Côte D'Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: Inadequate wastewater management combined with a lack of sanitation facilities has exacerbated sanitation problems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to assess wastewater and excreta management in villages of Braffédon, Lahou-Kpanda, Groguida and Likpillassié located on Grand Lahou coast in South-West of Côte D'Ivoire. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted from June to September 2021 in Groguida, Likpilliassé, Lahou-Kpanda and Braffedon. Methodology: Data collection consisted of field observations and a survey. The sample size of the survey population was determined using simple random sampling (SRS). 290 households were interviewed, including 100 in Braffédon, 60 in Groguida, 70 in Lahou-Kpanda and 60 in Likpillassié, out a total of 1,526 households, including 474 in Braffedon, 117 in Groguida, 856 in Lahou kpanda and 79 in Likpillassié. Results: Wastewater in the villages studied came from four (4) main sources: bathing (100%), laundry (83-98%), dishwatering (66.66-89%) and attiéké (semolina made from fermented cassava) wastewater (30-45%). The study found that sewage disposal was either in septic tanks (15-25%), directly on the sandy ground in the yard (25-40%), in the backyard (80-95%) or in the lagoon (15-65%). Modern latrines were found in 5%, 45%, 30% and 60% of households in Groguida, Lipkilliassé, Lahou-Kpanda and Braffedon respectively. However, 10% of households in Braffedon use traditional latrines. About 30% - 89% of households in the villages defecated in the open, either in the bush in Braffedon or on the edge of the lagoon and the sea (Groguida, Likpilliassé and Lahou-Kpanda). Households using latrines reported that they either added chemicals to the septic tanks to digest the organic matter and reduce the sludge volume when the tanks are full, or they emptied the tanks either mechanically or manually. If the tanks were emptied manually, the sludge was poured into a hole dug near the tank in the yard or by the side of the road. Though there were no rainwater drains in the four (4) villages studied, floods did not occur in the rainy season. Conclusion: For the preservation of potential tourism, the environment, and public health, the local authorities should establish a sustainable sanitation management system in these villages.