Lessons learned from operating a pre-commercialisation field-testing platform for innovative non-sewered sanitation in Durban, South Africa

Authors

  • RC Sindall Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
  • R Cottingham Khanyisa Projects, Durban 4001, South Africa
  • P Arumugam Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
  • SJ Mercer Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
  • C Sutherland Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
  • N Alcock Khanyisa Projects, Durban 4001, South Africa
  • CA Buckley Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
  • G Gounden eThekwini Water and Sanitation, Durban 4000, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/wsa/2021.v47.i4.3880

Keywords:

new product development, on-site sanitation, field trials, project management, reinvented toilet, next generation sanitation

Abstract

The Engineering Field Testing Platform (EFTP) was designed to provide an opportunity for technology developers (TDs) to test non-sewered sanitation prototypes in the eThekwini Municipal Area (Durban), South Africa. Between 2017 and 2020, 15 sanitation systems were tested in informal settlements, peri-urban households, and other ‘real world’ settings. This paper illustrates the lessons learned from establishing and managing this testing platform. Costs and timelines for testing are dependent on several factors, including the aims of testing, the development stage of the prototype, whether testing takes place in a community or household setting and if a testing site is shared between prototypes. Timelines were routinely underestimated, particularly for community engagement and commissioning of prototypes to reach steady-state operation. Personnel accounted for more than half of the EFTP’s costs. The presence of the municipality as a platform partner was vital to the success of testing, both for gaining political support and for enabling access to testing sites. It is noted that working in communities, with test sites in public spaces, requires technical and social sensitivity to context. It was important to ensure testing supported future municipal decision-making on service provision, as well as longer-term development within communities. The high number of stakeholders, locally and internationally, raised management challenges common to any large project. However, the EFTP added value to TDs, the eThekwini Municipality, and communities requiring improved sanitation services; this was amplified through the platform approach.

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Published

2021-10-28

How to Cite

RC Sindall, R Cottingham, P Arumugam, SJ Mercer, C Sutherland, N Alcock, CA Buckley, & G Gounden. (2021). Lessons learned from operating a pre-commercialisation field-testing platform for innovative non-sewered sanitation in Durban, South Africa. Water SA, 47(4 October). https://doi.org/10.17159/wsa/2021.v47.i4.3880

Issue

Section

Research paper