Here’s Why a Retired ISRO Official Is Helping Senegal Build Low-Cost Toilets

This Bengaluru-based engineer's technology allows for the building of low-cost toilets that last at least 50 years.

By Aishhwariya Subramanian

March 6, 2017

The streets of Senegal in West Africa will be lined with toilets designed by a Bengaluru resident. And it’s all thanks to social media.

H Raja Simha, a retired chief engineer from ISRO, has designed something called the pre-stressed and pre-cast toilet that he deems is ideal for rural areas and something that will last at least 50 years.

Simha had uploaded a video on how the design works through his YouTube channel and it seems to have caught the attention of authorities in Senegal, because they quickly roped him in.

According to Seydon Sane, Mayor of Ziguinchor, a city in Senegal, about 100 of these toilets will be installed in the first phase as part of the pilot programme.

The toilet’s design has been replicated by the state of Gujarat and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. Speaking about his innovation, Raja told Deccan Herald, “It has a lifespan of 50 years and is compact. I chalked out the idea a year ago and so far, these models have been replicated at Daman and in Gujarat with the installation of more than 1,000 precast toilets.”

The video explains the technology behind the system while noting, “This technology conceives Twin Pit pour flush toilet with RCC M 40 pre-stress pre-cast concrete walls and roof. The life of this toilet is 50 years and more. All the toilet components comprising prefab concrete walls, door, WC pipes, junction box, soak pits, nuts, bolts, etc. supplied as toilet kit.”

The pricing of the toilets is also done judiciously, with the kit costing ₹12,000 as opposed to ₹35,000 that such a kit generally costs. This could perhaps hold the key to addressing the open defecation problem that still plagues many regions in India.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

Similar Story

India’s First Vertical Sea Bridge: 8 Things To Know About the New Pamban Bridge

As India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, the new Pamban Bridge, is set to reach completion by March next year, here’s some facts you should know about this technological marvel, which connect Rameswaram to mainland India.

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201 ₹501 ₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?