Ecological Sanitation Botswana (ECO-SAN) has introduced the locally manufactured Calcamite VILP (ventilated improved lined pit) toilet system, to the market. The system, which is already being used in other parts of Africa, has been approved by the Department of Sanitation and Waste Management. The Calcamite VILP system includes a prefabricated tank. The manufacturer says domestic systems only have to be emptied every five years, while systems in institutions like schools need to be emptied every 2-3 years. ECO-SAN has put a levy on the cost of their toilet system to pay for a planned monitoring and research programme with the University of Botswana. The toilets can be upgraded to a one-litre low-flush system or to a full-flush system connected to sewerage. ECO-SAN Botswana was established in 2003 as a partnership between Calcamite, South Africa and Wave Sanitation Services, Botswana. The ECO-SAN Calcamite toilet is manufactured in Lobatse and the plant can produce at least 1,000 units per month.

Web site: Sanicon - Ecological Sanitation ; Sanicon - On-plot Sanitation Technology

Contact: Wave Sanitation Services (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag 80073, Gaborone, Botswana, fax: +267-3931928, wavesanitation@botsnet.bw ; Calcamite Sanitary Services (Pty) Ltd, South Africa, fax: +27-12-5424562, calcamite@acenet.co.za

Source: Mmegi/The Reporter, 21 Sep 2004, http://allafrica.com/stories/200409220757.html

Tags: on-site sanitation