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New high-tech sanitation solution in informal settlements ushers in 2025

Just three months since construction started, residents of Nyakathisa Informal Settlement in Macassar and Masincedane Informal Settlement in Strandfontein have received the first pilot of the high-tech Clear Enviro Loo Recirculation toilet system. This is in addition to the 17 full flush toilets which each site also benefits from. Read more below:

Ahead of the festive season in 2024, the Water and Sanitation Directorate, through its partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), successfully handed over self-sustaining toilet systems to two of the five informal settlements identified for the City’s innovative sanitation pilot project.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien joined the local ward councillors; City officials; the WRC; representatives from the technology service provider, Enviro Loo; and consultants, for a handover of the facility to the community.

‘This is a momentous occasion for the City and the residents of Nyakathisa and Masincedane as new sanitation innovations raise the bar for dignified sanitation provided for by the City in informal settlements. We are now looking to the community to use the facility responsibly, ensuring that they maintain the clean and orderly condition in which the toilets have been handed over to them,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The toilet systems were well-received and have several valued features:

  • They are kitted with a full flush toilet, hand washing basin and sanitary bins for disposal of sanitary towels;
  • Larger sized toilets are installed at each site with disabled-friendly fittings, as well as a wheelchair ramp;
  • The systems are environmentally friendly, operating entirely off grid, powered by a combination of wind and solar energy;
  • Wastewater is processed through a closed-loop, on-site treatment plant that uses a membrane biological reactor and ozone disinfection. The treated water is then recycled for flushing the toilets. This innovative technology eliminates the need for a bulk sewer connection, making it ideal for areas with limited infrastructure.

The toilets will be maintained through an on-site, general plant assistant appointed from the local community, working alongside up to three janitors at each site responsible for cleanliness and upkeep.

In addition, the WRC’s technology service provider will oversee all operations and maintenance of the plant during the first 12 months.

‘The community must remember that the system can run sustainably and efficiently only when used for flushing the three Ps (pee, poo and paper). If any other items are flushed down, misuse could compromise the system’s functionality leading to costly blockages and disrepair.

‘The learnings and experience from this installation will be beneficial for the remaining three informal settlement sites. Also included in this pilot are 7de Laan in Strandfontein, OR Tambo in Khayelitsha and Rasta Camp in Ocean View, where installations will be taking place in the upcoming months.

‘The outcomes of this project will also greatly influence whether the City can roll this solution out to more of the 526 informal settlements currently situated across the City,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

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