Sanitation at the Nyakathisa informal settlement in Macassar has been bolstered thanks to a partnership that saw the erection of a self-sustaining toilet system.
The area is one of five that form part of an innovative sanitation pilot project of the City of Cape Town, in partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Two facilities were handed to residents of Nyakathisa and and Masincedane in Strandfontein ahead of the festive season.
“This is a momentous occasion for the City and residents of Nyakathisa and Masincedane, as new sanitation innovations raise the bar for dignified sanitation provided for by the City in informal settlements,” said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for water and sanitation.
“We are now looking to the community to use the facility responsibly, ensuring they maintain the clean and orderly condition in which the toilets have been handed to them.”
The toilet systems are kitted-out with a full flush toilet, handbasin and sanitary bins for disposal of sanitary towels. Furthermore, larger-sized toilets are installed at each site with disabled-friendly fittings and a wheelchair ramp.
The systems are environmentally friendly, operating entirely off-grid, powered by a combination of wind and solar energy and 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 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. 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.”
