Toilet Choices 121
Howbtconbmxnackbe a concrete toilet platform
A well made concrete platform will last many years. One 50 kilo bag of cement
will make 4 platforms, or 2 platforms and 2 ring beams (see next page). You will
also need reinforcing wires, bricks, and boards to form the mold, and wood cut
to the shape of a keyhole to mold the hole. Platforms can be square or round.
➊ Lay down a plastic sheet or used
cement bags on flat ground.
On top of this, make a
mold of bricks or boards
about 120 cm long, 90
cm wide and 6 cm deep.
➋ Place a wooden keyhole mold in
the center, to shape the
toilet hole. You can
also use bricks to block
out the hole, and shape
the hole after you pour
the concrete.
➌ Make a concrete mix of 1 part
cement, 2 parts gravel, 3 parts
sand, and enough
water so that it is wet
but holds together
well. Pour the concrete
into the mold until it is
halfway to the top.
➍ Place reinforcing wires 3 mm thick on
top of the wet concrete.
Use 4 to 6 wires going in
each direction. Make
handles of wire 8 to
10 mm thick, and set
them in the concrete
near the corners.
➎ Pour the rest of the concrete, and
level it with a block of wood.
➐ When the concrete has hardened,
place the platform over the pit.
To make the pit more secure, also
use a ring beam.
➏ Remove the keyhole mold when the
concrete begins to harden (after
3 hours). If you used a brick mold,
remove the bricks and form the hole
into a keyhole shape. Cover the slab
with wet sacks, damp cloth or a
plastic sheet overnight. Wet it several
times a day to keep it damp for 7 days.
Keeping it wet lets the concrete
harden slowly and become strong.
➑ Make a cover for the hole out of
concrete or wood. It can have a
handle, or make it to be moved by foot
to keep germs off the hands.
Platform improvements
Because germs and worms can collect near the hole, foot
rests will reduce the risk of health problems. If people prefer
to sit, make a round hole and a concrete seat (see next page).
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012