Improvement strategy for scheduled faecal sludge services (Indonesia)

Sidoarjo town has one Sludge Treatment Plant named IPLT Griyomulyo. IPLT Griyomulyo was built in 2015 with a treatment capacity of 34 m3/d. However, the highest amount of fecal sludge in 2021 treated by IPLT Griyomulyo was 13 m3/d. Households in the surrounding areas of IPLT would drain their septic tank only when they face the problem with sludge. The Scheduled Fecal Sludge Service (SFSS or LLTT) is considered as an efficient strategy to increase the number of customers and thus, to increase sludge load to the plant. Determination of service targets in the pilot area is based on the condition of septic tanks, the level of participation on the LLTT program, the level of income that affects the ability to pay retribution fees, and the potential of triggering activities based on their level of education. The capacity of treatment units appeared to be sufficient to accommodate additional sludge from the LLTT program. In addition, the condition of the desludging and transportation vehicles, including the number of transportation units and truck driver crews, is also supporting the needs for the LLTT program. The strategy needed to achieve this condition is maintaining the quality of existing services and increasing public awareness regarding the need for draining septic tanks through triggering activities.