New unsewered toilet technology is being tested in five settlements in Cape Town, South Africa.

The project is part of a programme by the City of Cape Town and the Water Research Commission (WRC), funded by a R78 million grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to investigate alternative sanitation solutions in high-density informal settlements that are not connected to bulk water or sewer infrastructure.

According to the Engineering News, the first of the pilot projects got under way in September at Nyagatisa in Macassar and Masincedane in Strandfontein, where the Clear Enviro Loo Recirculation system will be tested.

In addition, USF NEWgenerator technology will be tested at Rasta Camp in Ocean View and at OR Tambo in Khayelitsha, while the Aquonic Tank will be deployed in 7de Laan in Strandfontein.

The WRC conducted a comprehensive needs analysis of each community, such as space and infrastructure constraints and environmental impact, before selecting the technologies.

Using feedback from the affected communities, the technologies will be refined to meet their specific needs.

8 October 2024
Image: Flickr