A sustainable business model for faecal sludge management (Tanzania)

Kigamboni district has no sewer network and all households rely on on-site sanitation. Faecal sludge management (FSM) across the sanitation value chain remains a challenge in the district due to limited service delivery in emptying, transport, treatment and safe disposal. Furthermore, limited data on business models and financial data in FSM service delivery has restricted private sector participation. This study aimed to develop a sustainable business model for FSM in Kigamboni District, Dar es Salaam for the purpose of assisting in promoting and improving service delivery within the district. Field observations, focus group discussions and interviews were used as a means of collecting primary data. From the financial analysis, the two existing models in Kigamboni (discrete collection and treatment model, DCTM), and integrated emptying, transport and treatment model (IETTM)) were profitable, except for the treatment under DCTM due to high capital costs. IETTM was able to make profit due to budget support on the capital investment by a Non-Governmental Organisation and high emptying fees. Incentivised discharge model was recommended to the district as the most financially sustainable model amongst the other models. It was the most preferred model by the stakeholders, it increases motivation of service providers to deliver better services due to incentives. It can also help to promote and sustain the private sector and reduce the risk of illegal dumping.