The "toilet revolution" is a common challenge faced by developing countries.
Globally, the economic losses due to sanitation issues reach as high as $260 billion annually, and 560,000 children die from diseases such as diarrhea caused by poor sanitation.
"I cannot understand how we can send rockets to Mars and the Moon, yet fail to build a toilet or stop the public urination and defecation in this country," said Indian actor Kumar in a media interview, sparking heated debate in India and internationally.
How has China's "toilet revolution" progressed so rapidly? This has also attracted widespread attention from international experts and scholars.
"In such a large country, with such a large population and such complex national conditions, leaders must have a deep understanding of the country's situation, understand the people's thoughts and expectations, have the awareness of 'walking on thin ice, standing on the edge of an abyss,' and the attitude of 'governing a large country like cooking a small fish,' daring not to slacken or be careless in the slightest, and must work diligently day and night."
These words from China's top leader Xi Jinping reveal the underlying wisdom. Toilets, a matter of vital interest to the masses, have been the subject of meticulous planning and implementation by leaders at all levels, from the central to the local, with efforts being made to ensure their institutional support.
Financial subsidies and incentives
According to a relevant official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the central government has been supporting the rural "toilet revolution" for five years since 2019. This year, 7 billion yuan has been allocated, which is estimated to benefit more than 10 million rural households.
Multi-departmental collaboration
In Jiangxi Province, a leading group for the "toilet revolution" was established, headed by a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the Vice Governor. More than 10 department-level leaders, including the Director of the Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Deputy Director of the Provincial Civilization Office, and the Deputy Director of the Provincial Tourism Development Commission, have become members of the group.
Grassroots institutional guarantees for implementation
Xi'an has implemented a four-tiered "toilet manager system," with more than 3,000 managers officially registered. At the public toilet on Fudong Road in West Chang'an Street, the name of Wang Qingfeng, Secretary of the Chang'an District Party Committee, was listed first on the manager management bulletin board. "Secretary Wang comes by almost every day; he's very diligent in his inspections," said a toilet cleaner.
"A stubborn problem requires drastic measures." Facing thousands of years of traditional toilet environments and attitudes, solving the toilet problem for nearly 1.4 billion people is no easy task and requires sustained effort. From central leaders to grassroots toilet chiefs, this horizontal and vertical system has provided a roadmap for the "toilet revolution."
A powerful national system ensures the smooth progress of this public welfare project.
In Fujian
Fu'an City conducts weekly inspections, reports, and meetings regarding toilets. The quality of toilet renovations is directly linked to the performance evaluations of leading cadres. "Failure to meet the targets will result in a spanking," joked You Fengyun, Minister of the Organization Department of Fu'an City.
In Qinghai
Qinghai, toilet renovation is called "Project No. 1." The A-level assessment and review of scenic spots uses toilet standards as a hard indicator, implementing a "one-vote veto," forcing cities and scenic spots to improve the number and management level of toilets.
“China’s will and determination in advancing the ‘Toilet Revolution’ are admirable. Since the initiative was launched, we have seen a comprehensive mobilization of the Chinese government, enterprises, and society, resulting in widespread improvements in toilet construction, management, services, and sanitation,” said Brian Abergast, Director of the Water, Cleanliness, and Sanitation Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Trainees from 11 African countries, including Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana, visited biogas toilets in rural China as part of a training course organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Benjamin Moore from Malawi expressed his admiration for the development and utilization of biogas in rural Chinese household toilets. He believes these development models can be replicated in African countries.
China’s successful experience and technological exploration in the “Toilet Revolution” have become an important model for developing countries to learn from.
Light gray marble floors, pristine white sinks, sensor-operated flush toilets… In many public places in China, clean and hygienic toilets are improving people’s travel experience.
Some scholars have pointed out that "to gauge a city's level of civilization, the best way is to look at its public restrooms. The condition of the public restrooms reflects the city's level of civilization."
A grassroots official who has long managed urban public restrooms told reporters, "I believe that the environment can educate people." A good restroom environment also cultivates good restroom etiquette.
The "toilet revolution" not only brings about changes in civilized habits but also brings health, social, and ecological benefits, which in turn translate into economic benefits, unleashing a vibrant force for promoting integrated urban-rural development.
China is changing its toilets, and the "toilet revolution" is changing China.
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