Today, 26 January 2022, the first Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) to be constructed in Shinyanga Municipality, was officially launched by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands, H.E. Wiebe de Boer, alongside the Regional Commissioner of Shinyanga, Hon. Sophia Mjema. This FSTP marks an important step towards providing safe and effective sanitation for the municipality's 200,000 residents.

The construction of the FSTP is a key part of the WASH SDG programme funded by the Dutch Government and implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in collaboration with the Shinyanga Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (SHUWASA) and the Shinyanga Municipal Council (SMC). The programme aims to sustainably improve access to and use of sanitation services and will also focus on improving hygiene behaviours in urban areas.

Soft opening and testing phase

Eight months after construction commenced, the TZS 310 million (€ 120,000) FSTP was opened by the former Mayor of Shinyanga, the late David Mathew Nkulila, in June 2021. Speaking after the opening, the SHUWASA Board Chairperson, Mwamvua Jilumbi, stressed the importance of the plant and commented that ‘The FSTP is a major step in introducing local faecal sludge treatment, disposal and re-use options that are not only environmentally safe, but socially acceptable and financially sustainable.’

Following an initial six-month testing phase before hand over to SHUWASA; the mandated entity to run and operate the facility, FSTP stakeholders came together for today's official launch.

The official launch

The Dutch Ambassador voiced his support for the Dutch-funded project saying, ‘We are proud to be able to support the Government of Tanzania, and specifically the Shinyanga Municipality, in improving safe sanitation for all... a basic human right, and a collaborative step in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.’

Recognising the role of the Government of the Netherlands in transforming the sanitation situation in Shinyanga, the Regional Commissioner conveyed The Government of Tanzania's extreme appreciation for the support from the Dutch Government and committed to continue to work with the Netherlands and its supported health and development programmes for its citizens.

Looking ahead

During 2022, the programme will focus on strengthening the ability of local entities to run, operate, and supervise the plant – ensuring the sustainability of the infrastructure and services, well beyond the end of the WASH SDG programme. SNV Country Director in Tanzania, Duncan Rhind re-iterated SNV’s continued support for the country and long-term partnership in development, stating the organisation’s intent to build sustainable coalitions to effect lasting change_._

The Kizumbi FSTP includes an attenuation chamber, a screening unit, drying beds (planted and unplanted), constructed wetlands and a co-composting unit. The co-composting feature (combining dried faecal sludge from the plant with organic waste), is an innovative step in re-using faecal sludge for productive purposes and contributes to a greener economy. The Lord Mayor of Shinyanga, Elias Masumbuko, announced, ‘Public health and a safe environment are key priorities of the government, and we congratulate SNV’s contribution, in close collaboration with SMC and SHUWASA, in bringing climate friendly and sustainable solutions to our municipality.’

Authors: Issack Msumba, WASH SDG Project Assistant in Tanzania,  Olivier Germain, WASH Sector Leader in Tanzania, and Ruth-Sulla King'ori, Senior Communications Intern in Tanzania 
More information:
[1] Download SNV and ISF-UTS compendium of faecal sludge and wastewater treatment here.
[2] Interested to learn more? Contact Duncan Rhind, SNV Country Director in Tanzania, by email.