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ack Sim, founder of the Restroom Association (Singapore) and the World Toilet OPINION J Organization, explains why public sanitation is critical for protecting the health and well-being of residents in cities. Jack Sim The ABCs of Public Sanitation

Cities and buildings become dysfunctional when good, clean toilets are absent. ISSUE 16 • JAN 2020

Toilets. Pee. Poo. Sanitation. These are not This article will address the importance of sexy subjects to talk about, but how they are public sanitation in cities and give suggestions managed is essential to our quality of life. This on areas for improvement—in alphabetical is especially important in cities, where many order for easy recall. people live in crowded, polluted and—worse— unsanitary conditions. 29 opinion

Proximity to proper Behaviour of People Environmental Pollution of Waterways Investment Return functioning toilets, as well as The relationship between people and 4.5 billion people’s excreta is not treated Healthy nations are productive nations. a good waste management toilets, or the managers of such facilities, before discharge. This includes the nearly one Analysis by World Bank economist Guy system, is necessary to is similar to any other relationship. If the billion who defecate in the open and those Hutton reveals that every dollar invested in facility serves users well, users will treat the with toilets that discharge directly into rivers, sanitation has a fivefold return on investment maintain good sanitary facility with respect. Toilet users are like seas, lakes and open spaces. by reducing non-working days, medical conditions in cities. Without customers—always hold them in esteem and expenses and productivity losses. do everything to serve them by ensuring that Such environmental pollution contaminates these, the health of citizens toilet facilities are clean and work well. good drinking water and spreads diseases. I created 19 November as World Toilet Day, would be at risk. Half of all hospitals beds in developing which was unanimously adopted by all 193 Cleaning Training countries are occupied by patients suffering countries of the UN General Assembly. This from waterborne diseases. Diarrhoea kills day was established to draw attention and The function of a toilet is to receive human more children every year than HIV-AIDS, inspire action to address the global sanitation waste but it cannot self-clean. A dirty toilet measles and malaria combined. crisis. It is important for us to generate greater requires human intervention to bring it back awareness of this issue, in order to protect Architecture of Cities to a state of cleanliness. The toilet cleaner is Funding, Government Policy and Health the health and well-being of residents in the a technician who needs to be professionally cities by promoting and driving demand for a Cities are designed for people and people trained and remunerated to produce dry Prevention is cheaper than cure. Sanitation higher quality of life. need to use the toilet every two to three hours. and hygienic conditions. If training is was voted by the British Medical Journal as Cities and buildings become dysfunctional neglected, toilets will be dirty, wet, smelly the most important medical advancement in The toilet is the happiest room in the world. when good, clean toilets are absent. Yet most and unappealing to users. the last two centuries. The invention of the You go in unhappy and come out happy and architects are not “toilet-trained”. flush toilet has extended life expectancy by relieved. My wish is for all readers to have a Design 20 years. happy, healthy and dignified relationship with We need human-centred design for public your life partner, the toilet. toilets in buildings, transport, parks, shops, To achieve good toilet design, ergonomics places of worship, schools, highways, tourist and a good understanding of user behaviour attractions and all locations away from home. is critical for selecting the right material, sanitary ware, equipment and supplies. Proximity to proper functioning toilets, as Ventilation, natural lighting and creating an ISSUE 16 • JAN 2020 well as a good waste management system, inviting environment are also important to is necessary to maintain good sanitary lift spirits and inspire joy in the place. All conditions in cities. Without these, the health these matter in ensuring the well-being of of citizens would be at risk. the user. Design for happiness and relief and you will get it right.