Why develop the PuPu pump?
Half the world's population uses on-site sanitation systems like pit latrines, holding and septic tanks. These get full and need to be emptied. In most urban centres globally, households lack access to pit emptying services or have those performed under poor standards and high cost. Densely populated areas, high cost of equipment, absence of safe disposal sites and challenging pit conditions are just some of the barriers why safely managed sanitation is lacking behind tremendously.
The PuPu pump is developed to address these challenges. The affordability and simple-to-operate system equips NGOs, utilities and emptying businesses with a clean and professional way for pit emptying.
Background
Practica develops disruptive technology and supports its sectoral uptake to address major global food production, water and sanitation challenges. A very clear one is the need for better sanitation services and products in the coming decades to accommodate the rapid population growth in urban centres.
Our vast experience in faecal sludge management programs worldwide taught us how challenging pit emptying is, and how Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) systems vary greatly between locations. Many other businesses and organizations have experienced the same. Pumping "shit" isn't the same as pumping clean water, and there is a lack of suitable technologies on the market.
We used our mechanical engineering expertise and a good market understanding to develop the PuPu pumping, transport and mixing system. We aim to support NGOs, Governments and sanitation businesses with the tools and skills to professionalize the emptying sector in the coming years.
On top of its practical and ethical advantages, the PuPu pump is financially interesting for emptiers as it saves on costs while increasing the quality and quantity of services delivered. The pump increases the ability of emptying teams to service multiple pits in one day based on (i) minimizing physical effort and (ii) reducing the time taken to empty a pit.
The PuPu pump is a product developed by Practica
A video from the first prototype of the PuPu
In 2021, we tested the very first PuPu pump with our team in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. The product went through several iterations and testing stages after that. Initial plastic models were replaced by steel models, and overall handling was improved.
Since 2022, pumps were taken up by field partners and businesses in multiple countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Tanzania and India. Dissemination is at a pivoting point towards many more countries for establishing safely managed sanitation services including distributorship in East and West Africa.
Are you looking to partner to professionalize pit emptying as part of the faecal sludge management chain?
Contact Practica. Jointly we can develop pilots for introduction and demonstration in new countries and provide technical training and support.