The City of eThekwini launched climate-start, innovative Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS) technology pilot toilets, on Wednesday, the 26 February, at Pholani Informal Settlement in La Mercy.
The project, in partnership with the South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme, is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation and the Gates Foundation.
It is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) to explore and develop innovative solutions for sanitation provision.
The NSS treats wastewater generated on site. This treated, safe effluent is recycled for flushing toilets, thus reducing the potable water demand for flushing toilets.
A great advantage of the NSS, is its adaptability to climate disasters, such as floods.
Speaking at the launch, Mdu Nkosi, Chairperson of the Trading Services Committee, said the project will contribute to community preparedness for and resilience to the effects of climate change.
“The non-sewered project is responding to the recurrent disasters that we are experiencing, which often affect our infrastructure, as well as the challenge of the shortage of potable water. It’s good that this project uses recycled water for flushing instead of clean water, which we need to use efficiently for consumption” said Nkosi.
The NSS project is piloted in three sites in the City, including Ekuthuleni Informal Settlement in Shallcross and in Malacca Road at Reservoir Hills.
Community member Elijah Mthembu applauded the initiative, adding that some residents benefited from being employed in the project.
Picture: Phumla Kwela