Masons get tips to help reduce waterborne diseases

Chennai: In a bid to reduce the incidence of waterborne infections and to arrest the groundwater contamination, Tamil Nadu Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) led by Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) has unveiled an awareness programme for all masons in the state including the capital city. The project aims at make Chennai a better place will help masons to construct septic tanks not prone to ex-filtration and leakages.

"The training programme helps masons review their own construction practices, and understand the caution needed to carry out proper construction. The programme will focus on implementation level challenges of building septic tanks and twin pits and also give the participants on-job training to understand common errors," said Kavitha Wankhade, team leader TNUSSP.

Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) recently conducted a survey which revealed that septic tanks are not constructed properly. Septic tanks act as the first level of the treatment system and there must be a certain amount of distance between the tank and water sources. Most of the masons fail to calculate the distance, thus increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases. Studies reveal that 80 per cent of the water is polluted due to the sewage being let out, explains Asma, senior specialist of knowledge management, IIHS.

With the septage management guidelines drawn by the government, Tamil Nadu stands at a better place compared to other states. The only gaps are in the implementation which could be rectified with similar training, adds Kavitha.

Four training programmes has been held in Tamil Nadu (two in Tiruchy and two in Coimbatore) and 135 masons trained under the Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP). Soon, it would be held in all the major areas of Tamil Nadu.

What is TNUSSP?

The Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme, launched in November 2015 supports the Government of Tamil Nadu and select cities in making improvements along the entire urban sanitation value chain. It aims at eliminating open defecation, improve sanitation services and reduce the untreated faecal matter in the environment by safe containment and treatment.