COMPARISON OF VACUUM AND NON-VACUUM TECHNOLOGIES FOR

EMPTYING FAECAL SLUDGE FROM INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS OF

KAMPALA
Introduction
Technologies used for emptying faecal sludge can be categorized into two; vacuum (vacuum tankers)
and non-vacuum (gulpers).
The study will mainly aim at comparing the vacuum and non-vacuum technologies for emptying faecal
sludge from informal settlements of Kampala. It will also entail;
i. Determining the functional existing vacuum and non-vacuum emptying technologies.
ii. Determining the total emptying time and variation of sludge characteristics with the different
technologies.
iii. Evaluating the Cost-Benefit Analysis of the different technologies.

Study Area
The study area will be limited only to slums located in Kampala city.

Data Collection
 The study will involve utilizing data collection methods like observation checklists and
questionnaires in order to come up with in-depth information for the study. Questions asked
will be fully in line with meeting the study’s objectives.
 Since obtaining total emptying time is one of the objectives of the study, we intend to take
measurements of all activities involved in the emptying process. This time measurement
will be useful in obtaining how long the gulper takes from the moment it starts emptying
the customers’ pit to the point when it discharges of the faecal sludge.

Faecal Sludge Sampling

 During discharge, a one-litre composite sample will be taken of four samples; one at the
beginning, two in the middle and one at the end. The samples will then be taken to the
laboratory for analysis of physical and rheological properties in order to come up with a
clear understanding of how efficient the technologies are.

Samples for Solid waste Content

In order to be able to characterise and quantify the solid waste contained in the sludge collected
by a given technology, one bucket full of Faecal Sludge will be collected during discharge. The
solid waste will be manually separated from the excreta by gently washing the faecal sludge in the
bucket. This will be done at the treatment plant. The extracted waste will then be transported to
the laboratory for analysis.