Unizulu team designs unique waterless toilet

THE University of Zululand’s (Unizulu) chemistry department is designing a unique waterless toilet, which will be piloted at the end of September.

This project, spearheaded by academic Dr Linda Linganiso and three postgraduate students, aims to address the lack of proper sanitation facilities, particularly in the rural areas.

The team began designing the prototype in April after spending two years conducting extensive research on the design, materials and machinery required.

It is funded by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

‘Dry sanitation is the way forward in the fourth industrial revolution.

‘It is a system that will eventually be the norm throughout the world as it is a safe, sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly solution that is immune to climate, geography and topography.

‘If fully embraced, South Africa can start generating value from human waste, since biogas and organic fertiliser can be produced at municipal plants,’ Dr Linganiso said.

She said the challenge is that many people perceive the flush toilet system as the only acceptable sanitation solution.

‘To end open space defecation, close to one million people would need toilets, which is the most urgent problem. However, it is well known that South Africa is among the highly (greater than 80%) water stressed countries.

‘The recent severe droughts, especially in the Western cape, Free State, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, are evidence of this,’ Dr Linganiso added.

Once ready, the prototype will be tested within the university, which will give the team guidance as to whether there is a need for further improvements.

It will then be patented and piloted in an area under management of the uMhlathuze Municipality.

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