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The CSIR project team involved with the Sanitation Technology Demonstration Centre: Louiza Duncker (project leader), Sizo Sebake (architectural technologist), Vusie Mema (researcher) and (back) Tinus Kruger (contract manager)
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Dr Rivka Kfir (CEO of the Water Research Commission) who presented the opening address at the launch of the centre, with Hans Ittmann, Executive Director of CSIR Built Environment who hosted the launch event
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Only three days after the launch of the Sanitation Technology Demonstration Centre on the CSIR site in Pretoria at the end of May, the CSIR project team already hosted the first visitors - engineering consultants - for a tour of the facilities.
In addition, some 20 top officials from the City of Tshwane visited the centre early in June to obtain information on the various sanitation technologies and options on display. This is the only open-air, permanent display centre, focusing on existing sanitation technologies in South Africa and, indeed, on the African continent.
These visits are directly aligned with the purpose of the centre, namely to show people full-scale examples of sanitation products and technologies and to allow them to learn about various sanitation systems available in South Africa.
A comprehensive range of sanitation technologies and products is on display, including conventional systems and some alternative approaches for dry sanitation, urine diversion/separation technologies, water-borne systems and ecological sanitation. Also included on the site are a number of examples provided by commercial manufacturers.
The displays, combined with information sheets, provide valuable input in assisting decision makers regarding sanitation options appropriate for specific circumstances.
The Sanitation Technology Demonstration Centre was conceptualised and funded jointly by the CSIR and the Water Research Commission (WRC).
The centre is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders and role players, including officials at local, provincial and national levels, engineering consultants, developers, non-governmental organisations and community organisations. It will also serve as a centre where, for example, groups of learners can get first-hand information on how sanitation promotes healthy living by preventing the spread of sanitation-related diseases.
The exhibits on the Sanitation Technology Demonstration Centre are grouped in five display areas, as seen on the diagram below.
The technologies and products on display are not based on research and development conducted by the CSIR, and are thus not endorsed by the organisation.
All the toilets at the centre adhere to basic sanitation policy requirements, including being safe, reliable and private facilities. Users are protected from the weather, the toilets are ventilated to counter bad smells and easy to keep clean. These facilities minimise the risk of the spread of sanitation-related diseases and enable safe and appropriate treatment and removal of human waste in an environmentally-sound manner.
Visit the website to arrange for a visit to the centre or obtain more information.
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