‘VIP’ (ventilated improved pit) Latrines

The VIP version should be built whenever possible. These do not necessarily have to be built of solid materials such as bricks and concrete blocks; lighter materials can also be used such as mud bricks, straw mat walls, timber or CI sheeting. The main difference between the ordinary pit latrine and the VIP is that the VIP has a ventpipe (chimney) fitted to draft-off smell, and this pipe is also fitted with a fine screen to trap and kill flies. (See Panel 3):

· The vent pipe is typically l5 cm in dia. ventilated improved version meter, about 2 m high, painted black and placed on the sunny side of the latrine to accelerate upward drafts to maximum odour and insect control. The top of the pipe must be fitted with an insect-proof gauze screen to prevent flies escaping from the dark pit.

· A lid should therefore not be used to cover the squat hole or seat, as this would impede the airflow.

As with trenched latrines, always address privacy, maintenance and hygiene issues.