Urban Sanitation Economics Life Cycle Analysis

Evaluating the Economics of Urban Sanitation: A Life Cycle Perspective from Africa and Asia

Info: Example Dissertation Discussion
Published: 25th September 2025 in Example Dissertation Discussion

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Discussion

As stated previously, the author conducted a comprehensive impression survey of the Srirangam region to assess the topography, understand the current sanitation system, and evaluate the appropriateness of on-site and offsite options. In this region, there is a currently an open drainage system rather than a dedicated sewerage system. Based on this evaluation, the researcher believes the underground drainage system is the most appropriate and sustainable option for the locality. It is more expensive than an onsite solution, such as pour-flush toilets, but the long-term advantages of the underground drainage system are greater than the initial cost.
Several aspects of the system give it particular relevance to Srirangam. To begin with, the site possesses sufficient water—largely from the adjacent Cauvery River—to utilize to move waste to a treatment plant. The aesthetic appeal is also important; with the large temple drawing huge numbers of visitors, an underground system would be more aesthetically pleasing and potentially lead to improvements in the local environment. The current open drains are visually unappealing and are in an unsanitary condition, and during scheduled cleanings, we would often leave the sludge on the roadside where it would decompose, attract flies and insects, and produce disagreeable odors. An underground network would resolve those issues and improve hygiene and reduce the transmission of disease.
Although on-site solutions are less expensive, they have practical constraints in this setting. Srirangam is densely populated and congested, leaving limited space to build enough public pour-flush toilets. Furthermore, public toilets often do not have adequate levels of cleanliness and tend to smell bad. Since most households already have private toilets, connecting them to an underground sewerage system would be a much more effective solution. Wastewater would then be transported through pipelines to off-site treatment plants.
Nonetheless, residents have resisted the idea of sewage pipes because, while private toilets are located in private backyards, the installation of underground pipes would require gouging up large swaths of the area. This would impede or restrict movement and affect temple processions. Much of the resistance stems from the lack of knowledge about the health and hygiene benefits of the sewerage system. This attitude can be changed by focusing on the long-term benefits, especially in sanitation and health (e.g., preventing infectious diseases).
There’s no denying the financial challenge associated with an underground drainage system. Success will hinge on cooperation between local residents, decision-makers, implementing agencies, and funding agencies. A public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement may be beneficial in involving government, corporate, non-governmental, and civil society organizations—each providing resources, expertise, and supportive action to foster a productive partnership for implementing an infrastructure project of this magnitude. Yet, a government agency will need to lead because it’s important to facilitate adequate sanitation in urban and semi-urban areas, especially for slum dwellers, and also in acknowledging the benefit of underground systems for safely transporting waste to treatment plants allowing for safe treatment and possible reuse.
For these reasons, the author fully supports an underground drainage system for Srirangam as the most feasible, hygienic, and sustainable sanitation alternative for the community.

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