The role of the CSIR/WRC Sanitation Technology Demonstration Centre in creating awareness, sharing information and in decision-making regarding sanitation technologies

Abstract

The CSIR and the Water Research Commission (WRC) have envisioned a Sanitation Technology Demonstration Centre to provide a cutting-edge environment for bringing to light old and new, as well as promising sanitation technologies. The purpose of the centre is to provide a platform for research, innovation and cooperation into the sanitation technologies represented in the facility. This facility is intended to address various challenges experienced by organisations and institutions that participate in the provision of sanitation services. It will enable government and related service providers to support on-the-ground implementation of sanitation technologies while not ignoring the impact of such technologies on the environment. CSIR Built Environment is developing such a sanitation demonstration centre on the unit’s innovation site at the CSIR Pretoria campus. The development of this centre, a first in South Africa, was initiated by the WRC and implemented by the CSIR. The aim is to provide practical and visual information on various sanitation technologies to highlight technologies that support sustainable human settlements.