Govt. looks to turn human waste into bio gas

By Ioana Tupa'i 29 November 2017, 12:00AM

Human waste will now be used to produce bio-gas for cooking purposes. 

The initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources during the celebration of World Toilet Day this year. 

Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama said such initiative was good for the people.

But he is concerned that some families have not built proper septic tanks.

“Contaminated water was an issue that had been raised by some members of Parliament during the Parliament proceedings,” he said. 

“Surveys have found that drinking water has been contaminated from human wastes. 

“It is not an issue in Apia because there is a Waste Water Treatment Plant located at Sogi, all wastes in Apia is transferred there and then will produce bio gas for cooking. 

“As for the rural areas, there is no Waste Water Treatment Plant in place.”

He said this was a concern because contaminated water could lead to an outbreak of typhoid in Samoa. 

Tuitama also advises people to build proper septic tanks to avoid any health risk. 

“It is good that we now can produce bio-gas from human wastes, but if these wastes are being leaked out and into our water supply, there is a concern.”

By Ioana Tupa'i 29 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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