I feel strict enforcement of ...

I feel strict enforcement of Public Health policies could solve challenges of hygiene and sanitation in urban areas. Unlike in rural where land is available, most people in urban stay in rented houses that lack good sanitary facilities. Since houses without sanitary facilities are cheaper, most low-income families have no other option, but occupy houses with such poor status. Most urban informal settlements are typical locations without toilets and open defecation. I am currently managing WASH project in Kampala, within informal settlement along Port Bell railway line. What I noticed is that out of 7 zones, only one zone is well organised and clean. You will never see open defecation and solid waste is also well managed. Through interviews, we learnt that success of this well managed zone is due to local leaders charging house owners/ landlords responsible for sanitation. They could close down any house lacking latrine and place for keeping solid waste. They believe tenants may shift locations, but landlords will not and besides if they would like people to rent their houses, they must provide facilities for the occupants. In the same way, when I looked at Public Health Act of Uganda, it is clearly stipulated that any house intended for occupants must be provided with latrine facilities. It means if this public health act is enforced, many urban populations will automatically gain access to sanitation.