Quick access: watch our video, read our short summary and full report.
In developing countries with fast growing cities, sanitation management is a challenge. Only 15% of the urban population is served by public sewage systems, while 85% rely on pit latrines, and hire pit latrine emptiers to periodically remove the accumulated sludge. Pit emptying is often an informal activity, conducted without proper equipment or training, leading to significant health risks and environmental hazards.
Since 2010, the global nonprofit Water for People has collaborated with local authorities in Kampala – Uganda, and Blantyre – Malawi, to establish formal, regulated pit emptying industries. Recently, it brought LeFil Consulting on board to help assess past efforts and outline future initiatives. Together, we conducted pioneering research and extensive data collection on pit emptying services across these two cities. Our analysis provides unique insights into the dynamics, opportunities and challenges of pit emptying markets.
Here are 4 key findings for governments or donors who want to invest in this sector:
- A formal market for pit emptying services has emerged in both cities, with diverse business models serving different market segments – from smaller enterprises serving mainly poor customers, to established businesses focused on larger jobs and institutional clients. However, there is no clear formula for success. Therefore, rather than trying to identify in advance the most promising entrepreneurs to support, it may be more effective to facilitate the launch of multiple businesses, and invest into the most dynamic ones later on.
- A large city can sustain a network of several thriving pit emptying businesses. However, it is a challenging industry, requiring hard work against small profit margins. Entrepreneurs are often caught between rising costs and constrained revenues (as demand is seasonal and fragmented, and clients have limited ability-to-pay). The most successful businesses manage to reinvest some profits into expanding their operations.
- Water for People has developed new equipment, such as the “Gulper”, to make pit emptying safer and more efficient. While these innovations have reduced market entry costs and improved working conditions, more work is needed to make this equipment suitable for various challenging circumstances (such as thick sludge).
- Governments and donors have tried a number of strategies to support formal providers. While subsidies are a common and popular measure, they are not very effective, as they tend to create market distortions that are unsustainable in the long term. On the other hand, regulatory and enforcement efforts are crucial to enable the shift from an informal market to a formal one, and ensure a level playing field for all service providers.
In conclusion, building a thriving formal pit emptying market is a long-term but essential endeavor to improve sanitation for urban populations in developing countries. Explore our short summary and full report for more detailed insights from our research, and help improve sanitation services for low-income populations worldwide!
