Innovative sanitation project making strides

The construction of eco-friendly toilets in Nyagatisa informal settlement in Macassar and Masincedane in Strandfontein is progressing well following the handover to contractors in September.

The communities are the first two of five informal settlements where the sanitation technology, running independently to the municipal sewer reticulation system, is being piloted.

This project is an initiative of the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate in collaboration with the Water Research Commission, with funding from a grant provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The technology treats wastewater through a biological reactor and ozone disinfection, with the treated water then recycled for flushing.

Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said construction of the Clear Enviro Loo Recirculation toilet system in both communities is nearly 75% completed.

The completion target is set for early December, with residents anticipated to receive full access to the improved facilities shortly thereafter.

“This installation of innovative technologies has the potential to improve delivery of sanitation services to communities, where a full flush toilet experience was previously not possible due to limited infrastructure,” Badroodien said.

Milestones achieved in the project include the successful installation of localised sewer reticulation pipelines, delivery of front-end ablution containers, and back-end treatment plants.

Construction of underground tanks and water and sewer connections is also well under way.

Strandfontein ward councillor, Elton Jansen, emphasised the project’s value not only to Masincedane but also to the adjacent 7de Laan informal settlement.

“This project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is a pilot to bring dignity in especially the informal settlements.

“What I appreciate about this project is the fact that local residents are being employed and empowered and capacitate in terms of leadership,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Macassar ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, said the newly designed flush toilets will significantly enhance cleanliness and living conditions within the community.

He said the project also creates invaluable employment opportunities for residents, which has been positively received.

“The toilets, which are not connected to the municipal sewer system but are designed to flush, will help enhance cleanliness and living conditions for the community.

“Additionally, the project is creating valuable employment opportunities for local residents, which has been well received by the community,” he said.

The subsequent phases of the project will see the handover and construction at 7de Laan, OR Tambo in Khayelitsha and Rasta Camp in Ocean View in the coming months.

Badroodien said the effort forms part of the City’s broader goal to consider alternative sanitation solutions aimed at improving living conditions in informal settlements across Cape Town.

“The end goal is to assess these pilot technologies and evaluate the feasibility of broader use in other informal settlements across Cape Town,” he said.