ODI Global
Septic tank desludgers at work in Metro Manila, Philippines
Poor access to sanitation is not only a problem for rural areas. In an increasingly urbanising world, sanitation services are struggling to keep pace with rapid population movement to cities and towns.
For example, in Metro Manila most people have access to toilets, but these toilets usually empty to dug pits or leaking septic tanks. These can pollute the rivers and threaten the quality of water for people who use shallow groundwater wells nearby. Although Metro Manila’s main water utilities are improving their ability to empty these septic tanks on a regular basis, this isn’t an easy task.
In this photo, the emptying crew did not have a long enough hose to reach the septic tank of a large apartment building nearby. Without better urban plans in place, narrow streets, dense housing and inaccessible septic tanks continue to slow things down.
Photo: Julian Doczi, ODI
Septic tank desludgers at work in Metro Manila, Philippines
Poor access to sanitation is not only a problem for rural areas. In an increasingly urbanising world, sanitation services are struggling to keep pace with rapid population movement to cities and towns.
For example, in Metro Manila most people have access to toilets, but these toilets usually empty to dug pits or leaking septic tanks. These can pollute the rivers and threaten the quality of water for people who use shallow groundwater wells nearby. Although Metro Manila’s main water utilities are improving their ability to empty these septic tanks on a regular basis, this isn’t an easy task.
In this photo, the emptying crew did not have a long enough hose to reach the septic tank of a large apartment building nearby. Without better urban plans in place, narrow streets, dense housing and inaccessible septic tanks continue to slow things down.
Photo: Julian Doczi, ODI