Report on sanitary matters in the districts of Grand Port and Savanne / by Andrew Balfour.

  • Andrew Balfour
Date:
[1921]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on sanitary matters in the districts of Grand Port and Savanne / by Andrew Balfour. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/18 page 11
    trenching, badly carried out, creates a very serious nuisance and, in some ways is worse than a closed Engrais. It it very unlikely to be a success for the smaller villages. Incineration might be tried but here again adequate supervision is most essential and how often will it be forthcoming ? A solution may perhaps be found in the use of what may be called a 4 «gnoke “smoke engrais.” I have in mind a building of a closed type with a single engrais.” opening in the roof through which pail contents can be introduced into the masonry tanks of the usual type or, where there is no risk of fouling water supplies, into pits with earthen sides. Existing Engrais could easily be adapted, and alongside and communicating with each, would be a fire-pit while a ventilating pipe would be affixed. Part of the street refuse, sweepings, &c, would, as at present, be added to the night soil and part would be burned to produce a smoke acting as a deterrent to flies. One attendant would look after the fire. When the tanks or pits were full their contents should be removed and buried, or, if dry enough, burned. Facilities should be provided for cleaning the pails before their return to the latrines. Tf washing is impossible they could at least be dipped in tar. Wooden tubs should gradually be superseded by proper metal sanitary pails. If possible contractors should be avoided and the work done by the Sanitary Authority, a conservancy rate being levied on those concerned. In the case of the very poor there would be no charge. It is of course only proclaimed villages o which possess a pail systemya doubtful priviledge. In other villages thereis either no system at all or“‘a privy pit is employed. Provided the latter is properly constructed and there is no risk of polluting a water supply, the privy pit may be far less a nuisance and a danger than a pail latrine. ‘The great thing is to have it as dark as possible in order to keep flies away and to furnish the seat above it with a self-closing lid. When it is full the contents can be removed and buried or a new pit can be dug but this is difficult if a latrine building has been erected over it for the owner will rarely take the trouble to pull down and re-erect the structure. Everything depends on frequent and efficient inspection combined with instruction and school education in the principles of sanitation. (In a later report I describe a Concrete Vault Sanitary Privy which possesses many advantages). Use of privy pits, 4. Sucar Estates.—I am glad to say that several of the estates are giviNg sugar Estates, a trial to the “ fuming pit” latrine system. Ifit is a success ] think it should be adopted except in places where the soil is quite unsuitable, if any such exists and the subsoil water is too high or there is risk of contaminating water supplies. I am of opinion that each Estate Hospital should be provided with a small laundry and with a closed incinerator for burning old dressings, refuse, yard litter and also, if required, infected stools. It is unfortunately true that while one estate carries out its duties efficiently as regards anti-malarial measures, another may be remiss or entirely neglectful. Pressure should be brought to bear upon Estates which do not fulfil their obligations in this respect. . SUMMARY OF MORE IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Provision of a Sanitary Warden, better termed a Medical Officer of Health, for the two districts of Grand Port and Savanne. These to be his sole care. (For complete scheme see the forthcoming Medical Report). 2. Sanitary Inspectors of Grand Port to be increased from 2 to 3 and of Savanne from 1 to 2. 3. Mobility of Sanitary Inspectors to be increased either by the provision of motor bicycles or an increase in travelling allowance. Their duties to be limited to those in connection with the Medical and Health Department. 4. The question, of increasing the number of Sanitary Guards to be -considered if their general usefulness can be enhénced by proper training 02 | and better prospects. 5. Catchment, areas of certain water supplies to be more adequately protected. 6. Two of the three water-supply intakes for Mahebourg to be altered. If this cannot be done a chlorinating plant to be installed on the main. - ; 7. More attention to be paid to the breeding places of ‘“ domestic ” mosquitoes. Sanitary Inspectors to provide suitable fish for tanks and barrels, or, failing this measure, all water receptacles to be covered and the covers kept in good repair.
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