An important element in the combined Dutch program (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EKN, RVO, VNG, and Blue Deal) is the implementation of several activities in the city of Beira. These activities include social and technical interventions, intending to improve the services provided by the Beira Autonomous Sanitation Unit (SASB) to the community and facilitating its institutional strengthening.
During phase 1, the Blue Deal partnership collaborated with the SASB and the Municipality of Beira to identify a pilot area for the installation of a second Faecal Sludge Transfer Station. Further discussions and evaluations in 2023 highlighted the need to focus on improving the management and operation of the existing station built under the Frisian Urban Sanitation Programme in Beira (2014–2018) rather than building a second Faecal Sludge Transfer Station (FSTS). in Beira (2014-2018) - instead of building a second Faecal Sludge Transfer Station (ETLF).
Monitoring and operation of the faecal sludge transfer station
SASB and FACE Association have been monitoring the operation of the existing FSTS. The activities carried out by these two organisations are focused on establishing an efficient operation of the FSTS by optimising the management of the facilities and increasing the uptake by service providers. Additionally, the activities aim to support and strengthen small and medium-sized pit suction companies encouraging good practices and quality standards that meet the sanitation needs of the community. Lastly, SASB and FACE Implement awareness-raising activities to promote the importance of sanitation and proper feacal sludge management, while also highlighting the services provided by the private companies.
Challenges and Changes in the FSTS Operations
In 2023 changes in the operations of the pit suction companies and seasonal variations were significant, directly affecting the volumes delivered to the FSTS. The FSTS operation was also impacted by other factors such as the ceased operation of 3 private companies – which reduced the quantity of sludge received, a negative cost perception, and the adoption of alternative septic tank emptying practices.
Inadequate emptying practices by private companies, failure to follow standard operating procedures, lack of knowledge about available services on the part of the population, as well as inadequate solid waste management and lack of organizational structure by manual emptying practitioners also constitute challenges in the operation of the FSTS.
Community Awareness
The evaluation of the FSTS operation revealed the importance of community awareness as one of the solutions for its effective functioning. These awareness campaigns will contribute to the abandonment of inappropriate practices from private companies as well as the population and improve the relationship between these two parties.
Through the BD partnership, FACE was able to recruit and train activists to promote good practices when managing faecal sludge and also promote the services provided by the FSTS at the community level. It’s becoming increasingly clear that effective communication about the services provided by the FSTS is crucial for gaining community acceptance and encouraging active participation of the community and private companies.
The activities related to the operation of the FSTS will continue this year as SASB and FACE play a significant role in improving water management and sanitation in Beira.
