Mobile Unit (Cuddalore) - Wherever the Need India

Mobile Unit (Cuddalore)

In late Autumn 2009 we started looking at viable alternatives to urban and peri-urban areas where space was at a premium to install sanitation units. We decided to design and construct a mobile ecosan unit that could be moved into place daily and serve the local needs. This project is ongoing as we look to improve the existing design so the unit is as efficient and useful as possible. Photos of the most recent models can be seen at the end of the photo gallery below.

Base frame chasis of the mobile unit

Measuring the trays for fitting

Base frame with the toilet trays

Building the unit

Checking the sturdiness of the toilet floor

Fixing the doors into place

Wheels are attached to the bottom so the unit can be moved

The unit, part-finished 2

The unit, part-finished 1

The finished mobile ecosan 1

The finished mobile ecosan 2

The stairs store away inside...

...and are taken out when the unit is in place

Getting the unit ready for use

Women making sacks for use in the ecosan

Sacks ready for use in the mobile ecosan

Alexandra, a member of our staff, gets her hair braided during a visit to the project

Having a toilet will greatly improve these womens' well being

The mobile unit is emptied every few days

This van takes the mobile unit output to a storage facility

The faeces is put in storage where it will compost down

The compost is then used on fields, such as this paddi field

We are conducting research into the effectiveness of different composts on rice yields

Where inorganic fertiliser alone has been used, the crop is more yellow in colour, showing a lack of phosphorous

The design of the mobile unit is always evolving and this example is what we expect the newer, smaller version to be like. We are looking to make it more accessible to the elderly and disabled

Second design idea for the new mobile unit

This project at a glance

Location: Tamil Nadu, India see on map
Population: 150
Main occupation of villagers: General workers
Project start date: Summer 2010
Length of project: Ongoing
Provided: Mobile ecosan unit
Funded by: Chris and Jane Powell
Support from: Bless and Centre for Sustainable Development

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