Faecal waste in water channels and ‘flying toilets’, polythene bag improvised lavatories, could soon be a thing of the past in Kampala after a new waste removal technology introduced by Germany’s corporate development arm GIZ and Water for People.
Known as gulper, the technology is based on borehole technology and works by emptying toilets in areas that are inaccessible to waste removal trucks because of poor urban planning.
The technology is widely expected to enhance public health sanitation.
David Gusongoirye, a ward administrator speaking at the launch ceremony of the technology at Tick Hotel, Kawempe, said the gulper costs between UGX20,000 (US$7.70) and UGX30,000 (US$11.60) compared to the UGX65,000 (US$25.12) needed for the current KCCA emptiers, reported New Vision.
“Gulper will supplement the work we cannot do because of inaccessibility issues,” Gusongoirye said.
The administrator added that piloting of the new technology will be done first in Bwaise 1&2 and Nateete on the city outskirts. Then it will be extended to other parts of the country.
The two areas earmarked for piloting are usually affected by flood with the waste going into the drainage channels.
According to Water for People’s programme officer, Robert Makune, the project’s cost is estimated at UGX30.8m (US$12,000) and will last for five years.
Water for People will sell the gadgets to entrepreneurs who can then hire them to Kampala residents.
