One of the standout moments of our participation at ZAWAFE 2026 was the field visit experience, which brought sanitation innovations from the exhibition floor into real world practice.

As field trip sponsors, CaDev_Catalyst Development, through the FSM Action Research Project, welcomed participants, stakeholders and sanitation service providers to Manchinchi Treatment Plant for an up-close look at the technologies being tested under the project.

On Day One, Zambia Water Forum & Exhibition (ZAWAFE) participants and stakeholders joined us to observe the emptying, transfer, and transport technologies in action. The visit provided valuable insights into how these solutions can contribute to safer, more efficient, and sustainable faecal sludge management services. A key highlight was the live technology demonstration led by Robert Vuik from Pratica, who showcased the PuPu Pump and shared insights into how innovative emptying technologies are helping transform sanitation service delivery across different contexts.

On Day Two, pit emptying service providers took part in a hands-on learning experience, interacting directly with technologies such as the PuPu Pump, PitVaQ, the three-wheeler transport technology and transfer technologies including barrels and 2-cubic-meter containers. The practical demonstrations allowed participants to better understand how these innovations can improve operational efficiency, worker safety and service delivery.

The second day also provided an opportunity to engage service providers on the project’s upcoming phase, introducing the Pay-Per-Use Model and discussing how it can support access to modern sanitation technologies without the burden of high upfront investment costs. Participants learned how the model is designed to improve affordability, increase technology adoption, strengthen business operations, and ultimately create more sustainable livelihoods within the sanitation sector.

The field visits created a unique opportunity for learning, engagement, and knowledge exchange between researchers, technology developers, practitioners and sanitation service providers.