Washking for safe and sustainable sanitation

Location:

Accra, Ghana

Sector:

Sanitation

Venture building support since 2022.

The Challenge

Fecal Water Contamination Causes Diseases

In Ghana, access to safe and hygienic toilets remains a significant challenge, with only 14% of the population having such access in 2020. Nearly 5.5 million individuals are forced to resort to open defecation, resulting in severe public health risks. Existing soak pits and septic tanks often overflow, especially during the rainy season, leading to water contamination and the spread of waterborne diseases. Contaminated water poses a greater threat to human lives than diseases such as measles, and tuberculosis combined. Diarrhea alone claimed the lives of over half a million people in 2016, with more than 1,200 children dying every day from cholera and diarrhea. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, safe water and sanitation have been identified as one of the 17 UN sustainability goals for 2030.

AFFORDABLE SANITATION

SANITATION FOR EVERYONE

The innovation

Safe and Sustainable Sanitation

WASHKING offers an innovative and environmentally friendly solution to address the sanitation crisis faced by underprivileged households, communities, and institutions. Their approach involves the use of biodigester toilets, which provide affordable and sustainable sanitation solutions. The biodigester system employs a bio-matrix that separates fecal matter into liquids and solids. Bacteria and earthworms within the bio-matrix effectively break down the solids into natural fertilizer, while a simple charcoal filter cleanses the liquids, allowing them to seep harmlessly and odor-free into the ground. This approach significantly reduces the risk of overflow and surface water contamination. The biodigester tanks only require emptying every five years, minimizing maintenance and operational costs.

THE STANDOUT

Why WASHKING?

A typical aid organisation would address the health issue of open defecation by donating and building toilets. Founder Dieudonne Kwame saw the business opportunity of creating a pay-per-use lease model that allows landlords to charge a little extra for their rooms so that the toilets can pay for themselves. This is the type of business solution for development problems that Impacc seeks to support.

TOILETS, JOBS & DIGNITY

Key Facts

Start-Up Impact

Economics
  • Stable earnings for employees, local craftsmen and suppliers
  • Service teams for pay-per-use community toilets
Climate
  • Limited water usage due to micro-flush
  • Reduction in water pollution
  • Produces environmentally friendly fertiliser
Health
  • Reduction in waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea
  • Hygienic, safe defecation
    Odour free toilets

PEOPLE

Meet the Founder

Dieudonne Agudah

Founder & CEO of WASHKING

Dieudonne is an experienced environmentalist and sanitary engineer. He holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Biology, Conservation, and Resource Management from Swansea University. Prior to establishing WASHKING, Dieudonne played a pivotal role as a founding member and CEO of the environmental sustainability NGO, G-YES. His passion for environmental preservation and commitment to improving sanitation led him to develop WASHKING's innovative biodigester toilet systems.

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