Users' perceptions of urine diversion dry toilets in Hull street medium density mixed housing, Kimberley, South Africa

Abstract

The South African government provides a range of technical options for basic dry and wet sanitation. The urine diversion sanitation system seems to be a potentially sustainable solution for the water scarcity challenge facing South Africa. The urine diversion dry (UDD) technology uses relatively less water than the conventional flush system and has been widely implemented in rural settlements. This paper presents the findings of a study that sought to understand the socio-cultural perceptions and practices of users of the UDD toilet in the Hull Street Medium Density Mixed Housing (MDMH) project in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, and the extent to which users accepted or rejected these toilets. The study was qualitative in nature and employed a case study research design with purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which was then subjected to content analysis in order to reveal salient themes regarding the use of UDD. The findings of the study revealed a high degree of user dissatisfaction regarding the use of urine diversion dry toilets, which emanated primarily from poor design. The low acceptance of the UDD technology may also be attributed to a lack of institutional support from politicians and officials at the local municipality. Consequently, the Sol Plaatje Housing Company which manages the Hull Street project has taken a decision to convert the UDD system into the waterborne system.