In low-resource settings such as refugee camps, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Without improved sanitation, hygiene education, and clean water access, these preventable diseases will continue to threaten public health in these areas.
The SaniSecure project was developed to address critical sanitation challenges in the Imvepi refugee settlement, where unlined pit latrines contribute to groundwater contamination, disease transmission, and environmental degradation.
The research for this project was conducted using a human-centered approach, incorporating field visits, in-depth interviews, and direct engagement with settlement inhabitants, latrine emptying groups, and sanitation experts. Through which, key challenges were identified. Most latrines were poorly maintained, often structurally compromised due to flooding and material degradation. The lack of handwashing facilities and cleaning agents further increased disease risks. Additionally, latrines were not designed for elderly or disabled individuals, creating barriers to safe and dignified sanitation. These challenges, however, presented opportunities for a new Product-Service System (PSS) that integrates a safe toilet design with an effective emptying service.
By proposing the SaniSecure System, multiple levels of complexity were tackled on product, system, & human interaction, while taking into account environmental, financial, cultural and human factors, such as renewable cooking fuel, a self-sustaining business model, and inhabitant latrine habits.
The SaniSecure Toilet was developed to directly address these issues. It features a sealed sludge container that prevents groundwater contamination, a robust and flood-resistant structure, and an inclusive design that accommodates users with mobility challenges. The introduction of the toilet resolves multiple health and environmental problems by ensuring safe containment and hygiene maintenance, while also improving user experience through better privacy, cleanliness, and security.
The SaniSecure Service complements the toilet by providing scheduled emptying, maintenance, and user education. This service, run by a trained Service Group, utilizes the Pupu Pump and motorized tricycles to ensure hygienic and efficient sludge transport. Beyond emptying, the Service Group plays a key role in educating users about WASH practices and providing access to cleaning supplies. The integration of this service ensures the long-term functionality and sustainability of the sanitation system.

To validate the SaniSecure System’s impact, a phased implementation strategy has been designed. A pilot test involving 40 toilets will be conducted, allowing for real-world evaluation of system effectiveness. The testing phase will gather data on user behavior, sludge quality, and system efficiency to refine the design before full-scale deployment. Financial sustainability is achieved through a dual revenue model: biogas sales from treated sludge and fees for public latrine emptying.

In conclusion, the SaniSecure project presents a scalable, community-driven solution that addresses sanitation challenges through an integrated design approach. By combining improved toilet infrastructure with a reliable service, the system enhances public health, environmental protection, and economic resilience within the Imvepi settlement. The pilot phase will serve as a foundation for future expansion, demonstrating the viability of the SaniSecure model in low-resource settings.