Pioneer Bio-Digester Septic Tank has embarked on an initiative to promote hygiene and sanitation in Lilongwe through the use of bio-digesters to manage human waste in septic tanks.

In an interview on Wednesday, the company’s spokesperson Tiwonge Mathias said many households and institutions struggle to manage human waste.

“Many people have limited space to accommodate traditional septic tanks. However, with a bio-digester septic tank, you only need a small space,” she said.

The bio-digester septic tank

Mathias said the bio-digester septic tank is environmentally-friendly.

“The bio-digester septic tank was designed that it should not pollute the air and does not require routine emptying, which saves money,” she said.

Mathias also said Lilongwe City Council approved the use of bio-digester septic tanks in the city.

In a separate interview, Lilongwe City Council environmental officer Cedrick Tambala commended the company for the initiative.

He said: “This is a good initiative because once installed, the septic tanks can be used up to 20 years, which is cost-effective for our residents.

“Again, the septic tanks will minimise spillage of waste waters in the city because the system uses a concrete tank which reduces contamination of underground water.”

A bio-digester septic tank is a waste and sewerage management system that enables people to recycle water and produce biogas using environmentally friendly procedures.

Bio-digester septic tanks are being used in many African countries, including South Africa, Kenya and Uganda as an intervention to minimise pollution and deal with problems of shortage of land.

Government through 2019-2023 National Waste Management Strategy committed to contribute towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal Number Six which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

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