COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

Human Settlements
infrastructure such as roads, power, drainage, water, sanitation, recreation, communication and trading
facilities. It would also imply the conservation of environmental character, architecture and agriculture
land to the extent possible.
· continue the surveying and map production activities to provide the necessary information to ensure that
rural and urban planning is based on sound information.
B. Strategies for Achieving Objectives
14.39 To achieve the above objectives the following strategies will be implemented:
· ensure the sustainability of completed facilities through strong community participation in all
programme phases, leading to a distinct sense of community ownership after the establishment of
facilities.
· through collaboration with other relevant Departments and agencies, increase awareness of the benefits
of improved standards of personal, food, and domestic hygiene and therefore increase the demand for
and use of water and sanitation facilities.
· improve the design, planning and implementation capacities of the Department of Works and Housing
· utilisation of low cost technology to provide the most cost effective service and enable the maintenance
of facilities by beneficiaries. Communities will be expected to contribute at least 15% of the cost in rural
areas, while in urban areas, municipal administrations will increase cost recovery through taxation.
· utilisation of high technology in surveying and map production to ensure that the whole country can be
surveyed in the most effective and timely manner.
VI. Development Programmes for the 7FYP
Rural Infrastructure Programme
14.40 Gravity-flow water supply schemes of small and medium size (not exceeding 10kms in length), will continue
to be the (low cost) choice of technology. In new schemes, only sources with less than 10 faecal coliform/100ml will
be used. The water quality of existing schemes will, wherever needed, be improved to contain less than 10 faecal
coliform/100ml. Priority will be given to provision of water supplies to social institutions. Where possible these will
be established as part of a community water scheme. In all stages the Department will aim to generate responsible
community ownership of completed facilities. The main strategy will be to assist communities to develop the
necessary technical and organisational skills to maintain and operate the facilities once they are created. The
involvement of women will be emphasised. Since mothers and women have set the habits of the young in health and
hygiene, the sanitation programme will focus strongly on the women. Village voluntary health workers or other
designated persons will be made responsible for testing the quality of water.
14.41 A number of rural water supply schemes have been constructed with inferior designs. Over the years, the
schemes have deteriorated and close to 500 water supply schemes are not in working condition. These schemes will
be repaired with improved designs. There will be periodic monitoring to ensure proper maintenance of the schemes.
14.42 National legislation will be used to lay down the rights and responsibilities of the users and of the
implementing agencies in the provision and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure. Government will
continue to support, train and assist village-based management facilities. A rigorous supervision system will be
maintained to monitor the quality of service delivered to the beneficiaries. The Public Health Engineering Division
will ensure a high quality of survey and construction services. The operation and maintenance component of the
programme will also be strengthened.
14.43 Both the Department of Works and Housing and the Department of Health Services will promote the
construction of household latrines. Beneficiaries will be free to choose from three different types of latrines
(ventilated improved double pit latrine, pour flush latrine, long drop composting latrine) as alternatives to traditional
latrines.
14.44 The improved stoves programme is designed to popularise appropriate types of stoves for different parts of
the country, especially in areas where firewood is deficient. Such improved stoves will save cooking time and fuel
and contribute to control of respiratory diseases.
14.45 The water and sanitation construction programme will be accompanied by education campaigns to raise
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