In what has been described as a decisive step to improve sanitation services in informal settlements, Mogale City has begun rolling out an environmentally friendly and cost-effective sanitation system using the Enviro Loo technology.

According to Mogale’s senior communication practitioner, Tendani Shavani, the initiative responds to ongoing sanitation challenges caused by the rapid growth of informal settlements such as Smokedown in Swaneville, coupled with limited bulk infrastructure and constrained water supply.

Conventional sewer networks are often not viable in peri-urban and rural areas, prompting the municipality to explore sustainable alternative technologies that are waterless, environmentally safe and financially viable.

“Following an evaluation of sanitation options, which included chemical toilets, the municipality adopted the Enviro Loo dry sanitation technology. The system uses natural processes such as ventilation, dehydration and solar heat to safely treat human waste without contaminating groundwater resources,” she said.

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Shavani added that the rollout has started in Smokedown, where several Enviro Loo units are currently being installed to address long-standing sanitation challenges faced by residents.

“The waterless sanitation system separates solid and liquid waste without the use of water, chemicals or external energy. It relies mainly on passive solar heat and wind-driven ventilation, with the option of low-power fans where necessary.

“Although the upfront capital investment is higher than that of chemical toilets, the technology offers significant long-term value through lower maintenance costs and improved operational efficiency. While chemical toilets require servicing costs of about R1 781 per month, the Enviro Loo system incurs maintenance costs of about R180 every three months, representing a substantial saving for the municipality,” Shavani added.

Speaking during the rollout, Executive Mayor Lucky Sele emphasised the municipality’s commitment to sustainable service delivery and environmental responsibility.

“Today’s Enviro Loo handover is about restoring dignity to our residents while delivering a sustainable sanitation solution that protects our environment and improves daily living conditions in our communities,” said Sele.

Guided by detailed technical and financial analysis, the municipality selected the technology for its sustainability, durability and long-term cost-saving benefits.

The initiative is expected to save the municipality hundreds of thousands of rand over time, allowing resources to be redirected to other critical service delivery priorities.

The municipality said it remains committed to advancing dignified and environmentally responsible sanitation solutions that improve residents’ quality of life.