The FSM Network in Bangladesh has organized the first national convention for septic tank and pit emptiers, as this population group often faces social stigmatization even while risking their own health doing work for the community on a daily basis. Almost 100 septic tank and pit emptiers have brought together to share their life stories, and together with government and development officials came up with inclusive ways to improve their situation.
The progress to date on improving access to sanitation and reducing open defecation can be seriously undermined by failing to sustain the use of existing toilets and the unsafe disposal of faecal sludge. Household sanitation in urban areas consists predominantly (80%) of on-site technologies, i.e. septic tanks and pits.
These require regular emptying, but presently most of them are never emptied as they are directly connected to drains or open water bodies. The ones that are, are emptied manually by sweepers and not mechanically.
As the urban population is increasing exponentially, there is a need for efficient and effective faecal sludge management (FSM) services. This can only be achieved through better organization of the current services, and by ensuring improved occupational safety and health standards for the service providers.
The national ‘Dignity for Septic Tank Emptiers’ convention held at IGED Bhaban, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon in Dhaka on 7 December 2016. It was a day-long event, starting with an opening speech by the Honourable Kazi Reazul Hoque, Chairman Human Rights Commission, followed by speeches from septic tank and pit emptiers and other special guests.
Then issues related to septic tank emptying will be discussed along with the lines of the four domains of Decent Work as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO): Dignity, Equality, Fair Income, and Safe Working Conditions. Suggestions and recommendations will be collected from septic tank and pit emptiers and other stakeholders, after which the event will be concluded by a cultural programme.
