My name is Chris Muanda (a PhD candidate and researcher at CWSR). I'm currently working on a research project which aimed at finding "technical sanitation solutions for informal areas". An attempt was made to define the term "technical sanitation solution" but couldn't manage to reach consensus with various roleplayers (involved in this research). In this regard, I seek your opinion on the following:
1. What do you understand by technical sanitation solution?
2. What entitles a technical sanitation solution? (in terms of attributes etc.)
3. Strictly speaking, what are the attributes of a technical sanitation solution in the context of informal areas?
4. What technical sanitation solution can suit better the conditions of informal areas?
5. In view of current innovation/solutions funded by BMGF, do you think it can be applicable to informal areas?

Your view is greatly appreciated

Best regards

Chris

Hi Chris,
if you share your view on the mentioned points it might be easier to get some return.
The topic is interesting for sure.
Regards,
Christoph

Dear Christoph,

My sincere apology for a very late reply. I do agree with you that my questions are broad. This was done intentionally to stimulate the debate and listen to what other would say. From my view, technical sanitation solution refers to a combination of various technologies for the safe collection, treatment and disposal or reuse of human excreta in an environmentally sound manner. These technologies may cover the key component of the sanitation system that include the toilet, containment/collection/conveyance, treatment (in or off-site) and disposal or reuse (where applicable).

In the context of informal settlement, we believe that each component of a technical sanitation solution may have various attributes for a toilet can be used for disposing human excreta, discharging greywater.

With regard to the BMGF sanitation innovations, an rapid assessment has shown that some of these proposed solutions hold potential despite not responding adequately to the informal settlement context. One of the innovation sugegsted using microflushing (to save water) another proposing a self cleansing toilet for example. In the context of informal settlement these innovations can be valid.

We believe that despite holding potential, these innovations should be combined if adequate solutions are to be developed. The combination should consider the different components of a technical sanitation solutions and its relevance to the local context.

Thanks
Chris