Project Lead(s): Dale Young
Issue
The majority of rural household latrines in Tanzania are simple pits that do not meet the acceptable definitions for improved and hygienic sanitation facilities.
Studies examining consumer demand and preferences for household sanitation facilities in Tanzania show that the majority of households were not satisfied with their place of defecation (58–95%) and most households were willing to make improvements.
Cost was the main constraint to making improvements to latrines, as most households rely on their own savings for latrine construction and it takes over three months to accumulate sufficient savings.
Solution
The goal of this project was to develop, test and validate a subscription-based delivery system for improved sanitation, operated by a local enterprise in the Kilombero region of Tanzania.
The business model offers delivery and maintenance of toilets in exchange for a small installation fee and a regular premium.
Called “Choo Chapchap,” or fast toilet, the toilet can be assembled in two days and disassembled in half a day for relocation. The structure fits onto small, three-wheel drive motorbikes and is attractive, private, comfortable and costs less than $300 USD.
After baseline data collection and a sensitization campaign, interested families were recruited and provided with toilets on a monthly subscription basis.
Outcome
A total of 35 customers were recruited and 33 latrines were completed, to service a total of 211 beneficiaries.
Under the current operational condition of 33 active latrines, the cost of emptying the latrines was approximately 17,000 TZS ($9 USD) per month and the current premium charged is 6,000 TZH ($3 USD). The objective was to recruit enough paying customers and, once there is uptake, increase the price to cover costs.
The customers were very satisfied with the latrine and, over the eight months of the service period, the majority (84%) of payments for the service were made on time.
The project team intends to apply for Transition To Scale (TTS) funding, to investigate greater demand for the product.