The compost generated by "eco-loos" is the key to getting them properly used and maintained, said support services manager at Makana Municipality, Edward Ganza.
The compost generated by "eco-loos" is the key to getting them properly used and maintained, said support services manager at Makana Municipality, Edward Ganza.
Dry waste system toilets, which dispose of waste by converting it into fertiliser, were inspired by Finnish technology and introduced locally through a partnership cooperation agreement between the Makana municipality and Finland's Raseborg municipality.
The agreement between the two "festival towns", which is supported by the South African Embassy, was signed in 2010.
Ganza said the community lacked the proper understanding of the new waste technology, which is why, during a recent visit, the donors and municipal officials found that some of the 30 toilets erected in 2011 were broken or locked.
He said the visits revealed that "the situation on the ground was different from what we all had thought”.
“We introduced the composting toilets here and thought people would know how to use them, but we learn from our mistakes. Luckily we can address the issue now,” Ganza said.
Finish delegate Masu Essuman said he viewed the implementation of the waste system as a gradual transformation to an improved community.
“These toilets are also used in Finnish cottages, not just because it is a need, but because people want the compost,” Essuman said.
It was decided that key members of the Bavumile project would educate the community on the workings of the lavatory system and the advantages of its compost-creating ability.
The compost created will allow the community to fertilise their crops or sell the fertiliser for income and serve as a source of revenue, said Ganza.
The next financial year, which starts in June, will see the roll out of improvements to the toilet project, said Ganza.
“For example, we need to come up with a system for people to wash their hands,” said Finnish delegate, Javier Lopez.
