GEORGE NEWS - A George-manufactured flushing toilet that does not cost an arm and a leg, conserves water, does not cause odours or contaminate the soil or groundwater, and discourages vandalism, has been tested locally and approved as perfect for installation in informal settlements in the city.

The toilet system, developed and sold by George businessman and co-owner of Buffalo Tanks, Jürgen Graupe, was one of three options that George Municipality tested in pilot projects in an effort to find a sustainable alternative to chemical toilets in informal settlements.

Currently, 43 of the Buffalo toilets are installed in settlements in George.

According to Graupe, it costs a mere R15 per month per unit to service, when done by users themselves. 

It is based on a soak-away system, so no waste removal is needed. 

"In the informal settlement environment where about 20 people use one toilet, it should not be necessary to suck out any waste in five years."

Graupe spoke to the newspaper on World Toilet Day, Tuesday 19 November, during a visit by Western Cape Deputy Director of Water and Sanitation, Jacob Ngo, to Syferfontein, where some of these toilets have been in operation over the past 18 months. "We specifically chose George for our visit because the municipality has made great strides in eradicating bucket toilets and they have been providing basic services," said Ngo.

"The department also encourages the use of innovative technologies and this toilet system is an example of innovative technology that works. It ticks all the boxes with regard to health, water conservation and anti-vandalism," said Ngo.

The Buffalo toilet has a 45-litre water tank that is easy to fill, also with household grey water. It can be coupled to the municipal water supply if available or preferred. The toilet features a small, built-in basin and tap for handwashing. Its design is such that the user determines the amount of water used when flushing, which saves water.

Graupe says it took him 12 years and 16 prototypes before he finally got the design right. The toilet has been patented.

Manufacturing is done in George and it is a 100% South African product made from recycled plastic. 

"It is solid and durable. The waste goes into a 1 000-litre holding tank where enzymes break down the organic matter and bacteria absorb most of the contaminants. 

"The fluids go through a filter system and then into a soak-away hole lined with pebbles and covered by a dome. 

"The whole system has a small footprint with the holding tank and soak-away system being installed underground. 

"Residents are very satisfied and over the past 18 months it has become evident that they really take ownership of their toilets, keeping it neat and looking after it. There has not been any vandalism as there is nothing worthwhile to steal. Everything is made from plastic, also the top structure."

Graupe says the system can be installed in formal structures too. "We have installed it at some crèches and it is becoming the go-to system at accommodation establishments in remote areas."

George Municipality saving millions

Debra Sauer, communications officer of George Municipality, said the municipality currently provides 919 chemical toilets in its informal settlement areas, which is financially unsustainable. 

These toilets are rented from a service provider at an average cost of R940 per toilet per month, which includes a monthly maintenance fee of R250 per toilet. 

"Thus, it costs the Municipality approximately R10,37 million per year to operate these toilets. In recognition of the need to find a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, the Human Settlements Department initiated the pilot alternative toilet technology project to replace these chemical toilets in 2022." 

She said the alternative is provided by Buffalo Tanks at a once-off installation cost of R18 730 per toilet. 

"The toilets become the property of the municipality, with the service provider charging a monthly maintenance fee of R125. 

"The pilot has proven to be successful, and the department is in the process of sourcing funding to roll out this service to other areas over the next three years at a total cost of R17,4 million, which will significantly reduce operational costs to around R1,44 million per year, excluding structural maintenance and repair costs. 

"These savings will also enable the municipality to provide additional toilets in its informal settlement areas in the future," said Sauer.

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