Changes

MAPET and Vacutug are two of the many more examples of mechanical emptying systems to empty pits and (septic) tanks. MAPET and Vacutug devices rely on informal or small scale, private operators to empty pits and (septic) tanks by means of minitanks and hand or motor operated pumps. Both the Manual Pit Emptying Technology (MAPET) and the UN-Habitat Vacutug devices consist of a tank, a pump and flexible hosepipe. MAPET relies on a hand pump, which can fill a 200 litre vacuum tank in 5-20 minutes. The Vacutug consist of a 500 litre vacuum tank and a pump run by a small gasoline engine that has the capacity to remove sludge (or urine) at 1,700 litres a minute. MAPET equipment is mounted on a pushcart. The Vacutug is a small vacuum tanker with an engine that also powers the vehicle. Sludge is transported to a neighbourhood collection / disposal point from where vacuum tankers transfer it to city treatment plants.