Holistic citywide sanitation for an urban area in the Global South: A case study of the Noakhali Pourashava of Bangladesh

Abstract

Urban areas currently grapple with the consequences of poor sanitation systems and a burgeoning population. The issue remains acute for developing nations where financing and governance structures for urban sanitation remain inadequate. Using cutting-edge techniques such as shit flow diagrams (SFDs), city service delivery assessments (CSDAs), and SWOT analysis, this study provides an in-depth exploration of the sanitation scenario in the Noakhali Pourashava of Bangladesh. The study reveals a critical lack of sanitation infrastructure and inadequate fecal sludge management, with implications for public health and environmental sustainability. Findings indicate that only 3% of excreta enters the sewer system, while 88% is improperly disposed of through SFDs and CSDAs, highlighting areas for improvement. Recommendations include increased investment in sanitation infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, adoption of innovative technologies, improved stakeholder coordination, and addressing cultural and behavioral barriers. These insights aim to inform policy and decision-making processes to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban sanitation, ultimately improving public health and environmental outcomes in Noakhali and similar coastal urban areas.