Dry sanitation for rural communities
The rural component of the E-CAP project is in the process of piloting dry sanitation systems at selected farms on Odendaal farms in the Hardap region. The specific locations where dry sanitation systems are piloted are: Grundorn South, Nico Noord, Laurensia, Laurensia Pos, Doringdraai and Nico.
Based on consultations with various stakeholders, including representatives from Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination (DWSSC) and users of existing dry sanitation systems, the Otji-toilet, a locally manufactured dry sanitation system, was selected for piloting. The first phase saw the construction of eleven Otji-toilets at Grundorn South and three (still in construction) at Laurensia and Doringdraai. Both urine diversion and non-urine diversion systems are being tested. The aim is to construct a total of 20 toilets in the area. In addition, the EnviroSan technology is also earmarked for piloting.
Community meetings were held with the beneficiaries prior to construction in order to discuss the following topics:
– Community participation and ownership
– Sanitation, health and hygiene
– The nutrient cycle (re-use of dried/treated waste matter for agricultural benefits)
– Monitoring and evaluation of the dry sanitation systems
The implementation was carried out with the assistance of Mr. Pelvin (a local entrepreneur in construction), Mr. Menthile (a local farmer), and officials from DWSSC in both the Hardap and the Karas regions.
For more information on the piloting of dry sanitation systems and other aspects of the rural component of the E-CAP project, please contact Faith Simataa
Community members taking part in the construction of an Otji-toilet at Farm Nico, Hardap region.
