Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Urban Development Corporation has adopted bio-digester technology for sewer management at its Knockmalloch Housing Project near Norton to promote sustainable urban infrastructure and reduce development costs.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, UDCORP chief executive officer Mr Joey Shumbamhini said they had adopted a modern sewer management system for Phase One of the project, which consists of about 700 households.
He said the move was part of the corporation’s broader strategy to champion green urban development and environmentally sustainable infrastructure systems.
“UDCORP has adopted modern bio-digester technology as the sewer management solution for Phase One of the Knockmalloch Housing Project,” he said.
The Knockmalloch Housing Project is a mixed-density housing development comprising high-, medium- and low-density residential phases, with supporting infrastructure such as roads, water systems and sewer reticulation.
Mr Shumbamhini said traditional sewer systems had become increasingly costly to construct and maintain, while also posing environmental risks.
“Traditional sewer ponds are expensive to construct, expensive to maintain, land-intensive, environmentally risky and vulnerable to pollution challenges when not properly managed,” he said.
Mr Shumbamhini said the bio-digester system uses biological processes to break down waste in an environmentally friendly manner while reducing pollution and harmful emissions.
He said the technology would also generate by-products such as biogas and organic fertiliser.
“Biogas can be utilised as an alternative energy source for cooking, heating, and potentially electricity generation in future developments,” he said.
UDCORP said feasibility assessments showed that implementing the bio-digester system would cost approximately 15 percent of the amount required to establish a conventional sewer system for the same development phase.
The cost is approximately 15 percent of that of a traditional sewer system, which is seen as a breakthrough.
Mr Shumbamhini said the lower operational and maintenance costs associated with bio-digesters would improve long-term sustainability and reduce the financial burden on institutions responsible for managing infrastructure systems.
The adoption of bio-digester technology presents the country with an opportunity to modernise its sewer and sanitation systems amid growing infrastructure challenges affecting local authorities.
Countries such as Germany, India and China have successfully implemented similar systems in municipalities and housing developments.
Mr Shumbamhini said the Knockmalloch Housing Project is intended to demonstrate how innovative technologies could transform urban service delivery in the country.
“It is a demonstration project. It is a statement of innovation. It is a statement of environmental responsibility,” he said.
Mr Shumbamhini said UDCORP remains committed to supporting Government’s Vision 2030 agenda and National Development Strategy 2 through modern infrastructure systems and environmentally responsible housing delivery.
