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Roma Housing and Settlements in South-Eastern Europe
siderably more expensive. However, it is possible to have separate systems for supplying drinking water and its use for other necessities. The water-supply system should be planned in such a way that there is a minimal amount of wastewater. • Sewage treatment is always a greater problem than the water-supply system. This system is expensive and therefore avoided in poor urban settlements. The majority of Roma settlements have no sewers, causing considerable pollution beneath ground level. Septic tanks appropriately constructed are the best solution. • A reed-bed is an alternative solution for the treatment of wastewater. This can be defined as processing wastewater with aquatic plants. This green technology still requires supply sewers but does not cause damage to the environment. Reed-bed technology is suitable outside the city area. If a settlement has adequate farm space, wastewater from the farm could be treated with this technology. The quality of water using this technology is sufficient to use for technical activities, but not for drinking purposes. • Problems of rainwater drainage on public surfaces, or problems with the high level of underground water, can be solved with open drain channels. The construction of rainwater sewers, as a separate system, can be prohibitively expensive. Paved canals can also be used as pedestrian paths. • Public standpipes and sanitary units will be the only solution for a number of poor Roma settlements. Families have good reason to dislike communal toilets. These can be built on the lot itself, and there is a technical solution that prevents pollution of underground water. • Cleaning is one of the priorities in the majority of Roma settlements. Garbage does not come from households only, but from economic activities as well. Programmes regarding the development of Roma settlements should provide directions for taking out refuse that has been piling up over the years. This task can and should be done by both citizens and utility companies. Waste management such as recycling, composting, and the seasonal burning of waste should be become regular activities.