Swiss Partners
EAWAG
www.eawag.ch
Linda Strande
Local Partner
GOAL, Sierra Leone
www.goalglobal.org
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Swiss Contribution
EAWAG is one of the world’s leading aquatic research institutes. EAWAG’S research group Management of Excreta, Wastewater, and Sludge (MEWS) addresses solutions for city-wide inclusive sanitation through research and development, design and optimization of treatment technologies, development of analytical and monitoring methods, training and reference materials.
The local partner GOAL began working in Sierra Leone in 1999 and implemented in 2021 the first fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) in Freetown.
Description
EAWAG has tested and piloted a low-energy, low-footprint technology that could be produced locally. It includes a bio-based binding agent, low-cost sensors for its dosage and a manually operated dewatering press. Through the pilot implementation, the project will develop the required knowledge to scale-up this dewatering solution in Sierra Leone.
Results
The project developed, manufactured and tested two locally produced dewatering press prototypes at the Kingtom Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant in Freetown. The final prototype achieved more than 80% solids removal and a treatment capacity of approximately 9 m³/day under operational conditions.
In parallel, the project assessed bio-based conditioning agents, including locally produced chitosan from shrimp waste, and generated valuable operational data on dosing requirements, performance and economic feasibility. Low-cost monitoring and sensor solutions were further developed and tested.
The project also produced implementation guidelines, manufacturing documentation, operational procedures and dissemination materials providing a strong technical foundation for scaling.
Impacts
The project demonstrated that resource-efficient fecal sludge dewatering can be achieved using locally manufactured equipment adapted to the realities of low-income urban environments.
The project strengthened local technical capacities by involving treatment plant operators, local manufacturers, technicians and university graduates in technology development, manufacturing and operation. In addition, it reduces dependence on imported technologies and external expertise.
Beyond the pilot site, the project generated fecal sludge management solutions in Sierra Leone and comparable contexts.