Testing and developing of desludging units for emptying pit latrines and septic tanks

Summary of findings field work in Blantyre – Malawi

In this report we present the findings of nine-months field work in Malawi on desluding of sometimes difficult to access pit latrines with sometimes solid sludge. This is a short version of an elaborate report that can be obtained by sending an email to emergencysanitation@waste.nl

The objective of the fieldwork was to recommend a reliable desludging kit suitable to empty pit latrines in emergency situations. The significance of this topic stems from a water and sanitation gap analysis in which more than 900 professionals from over 40 countries were consulted. In this gap analysis, desludging of pit latrines was identified as one of the 12 most significant gaps in the
emergency WASH sector. The significance comes also from the fact that there is a growing realization that – in order for sustainable sanitation to be achieved, especially inperi-urban areas – the complete sanitation chain, including the safe removal, transportation and disposal or reuse of faecal sludge, must accompany the promotion of hygienic toilets.