Sibu Toilet Council: World Toilet Summit 2007

This World Toilet Summit 2007 was held in India and at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India from 31st October to 3rd November 2007. This Summit was organized by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation. The founder of this organization is Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.This organisation has been involved in the construction and maintenance of public toilets or latrines, baths and urinals on behalf of local bodies throughout India. According to Sulabh, only 52 percent of the urban population enjoys basic facilities while the coverage in rural areas is measly 3 percent of the population. (it's quite true and See is believing). This Summit consists of the Toilet Forum and the exhibition of toilet wares & products, Services and recycling program of the selected Indian Schools . A total of 370 participants from 44 countries consisting of the corporates & government agencies and also included Cr. Robert Lau Hui Yew (Sibu Municipal Council), Mukah District Secretary, En. Gustian, Senior Health Inspector En. Song Ting Hee (Kapit District Council), a group from Miri City Council lead by Datuk Wee . Yes, nearly forget that a couple was with us.......a doctor from Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and his wife . A very nice and friendly couple . Sorry can't recall his name. Datuk Wee was caught by surprise by the organiser asking him to present a paper. It is quite an experience to go back in time. Why? You see the transportation using horses, camels and donkey too. Cattle, dogs and even pigs running around in New Delhi. People sleeping on road dividers right in the middle of the road. Cow dungs or whatever dung/shit on the roadsides. You even see people doing the nature calls at roadside.

Taking bath is quite an experience to us (Song & Me) Why? We laughed after taking each bath.. you don't have to use any hair creams or gel cos' your hair always stand and very stiff (maybe due to water hardness) .In India, never ever drink even from any water cooler.Why? Ask Mr. Song Tiing Hee from Kapit and he will tell you the stories. Everything cost monies and even you had to pay watching the Snake Charmer doing his routines. Very frequent electricity failure can be observed during our stay and most of the shops had gen-set on standby. Going to India was quite an experience (as advertised by the Tourism of India- " Incredible India" , indeed to me , it's really incredible !!! ) but wonder whether we can learn anything on toilet and but, certainly the rehabilitation of scavenger ladies (night soil collectors) program of Sulabh International Social Services organization is indeed worth a praise. These scavenger ladies were given vocational training after giving up the spade & metal tray (tools for night soil collection). Wonder why India had the latest advancement of the technology on Nuclear & IT and yet the toilet facilities is so poor. Thank God. Malaysia is still the best.

1. At Sulabh International Social Services Organization Centre, New Delhi.

2. Seated for the photo session (at Sulabh Centre)

3. At the registration counter of the World Toilet Summit.

4. One of the Sulabh Toilet Complex ( well, it's the Public Toilet)

5. The interior of the Sulabh Toilet Complex.

6. The delegates from Sibu & Mukah.

7. At the compound of another Registration Counter at the Indian Habitat Centre.

8. One of the exhibition Booth from the School.

9. Cr. Robert Lau talking to one of the school boy at the Exhibition Booth on the Composting.

10. Model of the Compost pit and soak pit by the school student at the booth.

11. Inaugural ceremony of the World Toilet Summit.

12.Speech by one of the Scavenger lady (Night Soil Collector).

13. Cultural and Fashion Show at the Republic of Bulgaria Embassy by
the Scavenger Ladies on October 31st & November 1st followed by cocktails & Dinner.