55%

of Africans living in rural

settings lack access to basic
sanitation facilities according
to the World Health Organization.

CHALLENGES
Fear: Pit latrines are prone to collapsing
when not lined, leaving many people
afraid to use them.
Expense: Current pit latrine liner designs
are unaffordable.
Health Concerns: Lack of use of latrines
leads to an increase in open defecation,
a practice which causes health hazards
to the community.
Education: Many communities lack the
knowledge regarding the importance of
proper sanitation.

MATERIAL SELECTION
GOAL
Develop a pit latrine
liner that utilizes a
cost-effective design and
stabilizes the latrine hole.

DESIGN CONCEPT FOR LINER AND

PANEL DETAIL

BENEFITS OF DESIGN
Reusability: Panels can be
removed from one structure and
installed in another latrine location,
leading to increased affordability and
a decreased life cycle cost.
Effective Waste Treatment: The liner allows
liquid to infiltrate into the soil for treatment
by natural biological processes.

RESPONSE

The Affordable Sanitation Project

in the Collaboratory

The pit latrine liner will be constructed

with fiberglass, a cost effective, strong,
and water resistant material. This can be
made in local target regions in Africa or
imported affordably and does not require
specialized equipment or labor.

Top View: Panel Connection

Top View: Side Panel with Grooves

work for the Affordable

Future
Sanitation project includes
designing a slab to install at the top
of the liner and and improving the
current design based on test results.