On-site sanitation technology for informal settlements

GEORGE NEWS - Two pilot projects are underway in Syferfontein, an informal settlement south of Pacaltsdorp, aimed at introducing alternatives on-site sanitation technology in informal settlements to replace chemical toilets.

Mayor Leon van Wyk paid these projects a visit last Thursday, 13 April. "These new toilets are erected on-site and make use of enzymes to dissolve solids, as well as water, so there's a water flush mechanism that can drain away into tanks underneath the ground," said Van Wyk.

"This improves the whole service routing where previously chemical toilets had to be serviced two to three times a week. This type of toilet would only require servicing once a month."

George Municipality solicited proposals from suitably experienced service providers to implement a pilot project for alternative on-site sanitation technology in informal settlements to replace chemical toilets.

The hiring and maintenance of chemical toilets is an expensive and unsustainable sanitation exercise, but it is unfortunately also the quickest method to respond to an emergency situation.

It was thus imperative that sustainable alternative sanitation solutions be tested to replace chemical toilets in informal settlements where there is no sewer network and to alleviate the heavy financial burden on the municipality and the Department of Infrastructure.

"This is a pilot project which will be tested for three months. The sanitation solution which is found to be most successful and sustainable will be extended to other informal settlement areas in the George municipal precincts," said Lauren Waring, Director of Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management.

"For this pilot project, we will be installing three different alternative sanitation units in Syferfontein, three in Wilderness Heights Informal Settlement and nine units in Thembalethu in various settlements."

From left are Charne Floris (Human Settlements), Brumilda Kirchner (Human Settlements), Councillor Bazil Petrus (Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements), Madoda Boke (Human Settlements) Jurgen Graupe (Buffalo Tanks (Pty) Ltd, Leon van Wyk (George Mayor), Wendy Mentor (Human Settlements) Mxolisi Ngwane (Racing Heart Group (Pty) Ltd), Siegfried Graupe (Buffalo Tanks) and Lehlohonolo Mandlazi (Racing Group (Pty) Ltd.