Everyday sanitation work: faecal sludge emptying in Khulna City (Bangladesh)

This research aimed to study the practices of men who perform the work of faecal sludge emptying and contribute to different debates on sanitation by including a concept that is not common in literature: the concept of care. The concept of care was developed by feminist scholars concerned with women’s labour and it refers to “acts of thoughtfulness, responsibility, education and compassion”. Primary data for the research was collected through interviews, small group discussions and direct observation. The study revealed that faecal sludge emptying in Khulna City is clouded with social and cultural stigmas and discriminations on a daily basis and is not effectively monitored by the responsible authorities. A lot of the emptiers are untrained and even those who have been trained and given personal protective equipment (PPE) do not use them as expected. Also, households prefer manual emptying services and this has opened more opportunities in the city.

The study also showed that despite the fact that Khulna City Corporation has an FSTP in place that treats faecal sludge on a daily basis, a lot of the manual emptiers do not transport the faecal sludge there but instead discharge it into the environment. To address this, it was recommended improved and active collaboration and management among all stakeholders. Emptiers should be properly trained and equipped with PPE, and conscious and deliberate effort should be made in planning and implementing interventions and programmes that directly target the emptiers.