High-tech off-grid toilets launched at Rasta Camp informal settlement

16 June 2026

Residents of the Rasta Camp informal settlement in Ocean View are the latest beneficiaries of a high-tech, off-grid sanitation solution designed to provide safe, sustainable sanitation in areas where conventional infrastructure is challenging to install. This pioneering initiative was made possible through a partnership between the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Gates Foundation.

The high-tech, off-the-grid toilet installation at Rasta Camp completes the rollout of all five pilot sites being tested across Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the City's search for alternative sanitation solutions for difficult-to-service areas.

The project is testing self-sustaining, full-flush sanitation systems in informal settlements, providing residents with safe, reliable and environmentally friendly sanitation. The Rasta Camp informal settlement is situated along the mountain at the edge of the Ocean View community and was previously served by 42 portable flush toilets (PFTs).

The new installation features three refurbished shipping containers, each housing five full-flush toilets. Each toilet cubicle is fitted with a wash basin, sanitary bins and accessible options for people living with disabilities, including a wheelchair ramp.

The facility operates entirely off-grid, powered by solar and wind energy, and includes a modular treatment plant that recycles wastewater into pathogen-free water for reuse in flushing. By treating and reusing water on site, the system eliminates the need for conventional sewer connections, making it particularly suited to areas with infrastructure constraints.

A trained local technical assistant and three janitors will be responsible for daily operations and cleanliness, with technical support provided by technology partner WEC during the first year of operation.

‘This is a momentous occasion for the City and the residents of Rasta Camp as new sanitation innovations raise the bar for informal settlement service delivery. We now look to the community to use the facility responsibly, ensuring it is kept clean and in good condition. The success and longevity of this facility will depend on residents taking ownership of the infrastructure and using it as intended. Remember to only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and paper,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Some insight into the pilot phase thus far
With all five identified sites now handed over, the City will begin a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot project, assessing its technical, environmental, economic and social performance. The findings will inform whether this technology is a practical and cost-effective solution for broader implementation in informal settlements across Cape Town.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office