Sanitation as a Business
The Sanitation as a Business Model
The sustainability of our sanitation programmes is essential, and working with the private sector along the entire sanitation value chain is at the center of our sanitation programming.
The Sanitation as a Business (SaaB) model is therefore aimed at developing sanitation services that last, achieving full, permanent, easily accessible sanitation service at scale and transforming the sanitation sector.
Sanitation as a Business (SaaB) in Action
Pit Emptying Using the Gulper
Water For People recognized the need for a lightweight, mobile desludging pump that could reach into crowded urban areas. With most of the growing towns in Uganda unplanned with no access roads, this is especially critical for ensuring safely managed sanitation.
This led to the creation of the Gulper. A manual, locally manufactured pit emptying device that quickly empties wastewater and solids from household pits.
More than 90% of faecal sludge emptied ends up in uknown destinations such as rivers
More than 95% of households and institutions depend on onsite sanitation
The Gulper has led to an entire network of pit emptying entrepreneurs who now serve thousands of people in previously unreachable households. It's cost-effective, keeping the expenses down for users. The Gulper is lightweight and can move through narrow settlements and can empty all kinds of pits with the ability to remove rags that may be present. And safe disposal of sludge protects the environment and promotes community health.
Toilet Construction
With support from the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council and the Ministry of Health, Water For People is promoting the adoption of improved latrine technologies for rural and peri-urban communities.
Through supporting masons with training around products, techniques, and business growth, more families are able to construct and use safe latrines.
Meet a group of masons Water For People supports in this video.
Financing for Household Sanitation
In partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority, Water For People is implementing a city-wide inclusive sanitation program that promotes community ownership and participation.
The program connects people across Kampala to affordable sanitation solutions, from toilet construction to proper waste management.
Meet Christine, who has a new toilet thanks to these affordable sanitation opportunities in Kampala.
Briquettes
As a sanitation solution in Kampala, Water For People set up a briquette plant for the production of fecal sludge briquettes in 2018. The eco briquettes are an innovative way of addressing both sanitation in the communities and environmental sustainability through reducing deforestation. They can be used for cooking, brooding chicks, and other industrious uses.
Meet Yvonne and visit the briquette plant.