Time and motion assessment of pit-emptying operations in Kigali, Rwanda. (30th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rutayisire, Bruce; Wolter, Dennis; Kuria, Nicholas; Sklar, Rachel
• Is Part Of: Journal of water, sanitation, and hygiene for development. Volume 12:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2021-11-30
• Subjects: FSM -- on-site sanitation -- pit latrines -- septic tanks -- time-motion study -- trash fishing; Drinking water -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Drinking Water; Hygiene; Health Planning; Water-supply; Health planning; Hygiene; Drinking water -- Quality; Sanitation; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.6105
• DOI: 10.2166/washdev.2021.079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-9083

Abstract

Abstract: To ensure sanitation for all by 2030, fecal sludge collection services in low-income urban areas with no sewer connections need improvement. One of the major issues is the gap between low-income households' willingness to pay and the cost of emptying services in low-income areas. One way of lowering the cost of these services is through process optimization. In this regard, we conducted a time and motion study to better understand the bottlenecks associated with the collection of fecal waste from different types of on-site sanitation facilities. Our results show that emptying pit latrines, which make up 53% of the market for emptying services in Kigali, takes twice as long as emptying septic tanks. 33% of households that requested the service were located in an informal settlement with no access to road and could only be served by a semi-mechanized method which required use of barrels, and a portable pump. In general, interventions related to minimizing trash disposal in pits and septic tanks can go a long way in making the emptying process more time- and cost-efficient. Additionally, developing effective and efficient pumping technologies that are suitable for use in inaccessible areas should be prioritized. HIGHLIGHTS: Pit-emptying process time varies depending on the type of pit and on the type of emptying method used. By applying time and motion study, we can improve fecal sludge collection process duration.