By Nangamso Mabindla
3 May 2005

BETTER hygiene is on its way in Buffalo City. The municipality launched its R5,6-million Energy Efficient And Sustainable Solutions Project at the East London City Hall on Thursday, 28 April 2005.

Through the project, the City aims to eliminate its sewerage and sanitation problems. Sewerage removal was one of the most important services highlighted by communities at the integrated development plan and budget reviews in April. According to Shirley Fergus, the project manager, the project will provide indoor urine diversion to 300 households, solar heating and wind energy.

"This technology will also go a long way in the alleviation of poverty. It will not only save money because it is cheap, but it will also save energy," she said, adding that the new system would help the City limit diseases caused by sewerage problems. The national department of science and technology provided the funds for the project.

Fergus said the project would also provide job opportunities and training. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Derrick Hanekom was pleased that the City was launching the project. It would first be set up at Khwetyana Village in Newlands, just outside East London.

"This is a big opportunity for Buffalo City to use this new system to benefit the City's citizens. I will be keeping a close eye on the project and I expect to be informed about its progress," Hanekom said.

Mayor Sindisile Maclean said the new system came at a crucial time for the City, when it was focusing on the challenges of sanitation and energy. "Many of our areas have poor standards of infrastructure and it is our duty to address these challenges. This new dry sanitation system will go a long way in assisting us in our sanitation problem."

The dry sanitation system does not need water to operate, and chemicals and waste can be disposed in the garden as compost. It also separates solid and liquid waste.

Maclean said the system was environmental friendly and would save a lot of energy.