Opero
Pit-emptying innovation

PuPu Pump

A dignified, safe and durable sanitation pump built for communities where conventional vacuum trucks cannot reach.

Illustration of the PuPu Pump emptying a latrine across a dense settlement
  1. 1Hose connects to the pit
  2. 2Portable pump and compressor
  3. 3Sludge delivered up to 100 m away

The problem

  • 4.2 billion people rely on onsite sanitation systems such as pit latrines and septic tanks.
  • These systems require regular emptying to stay safe and usable.
  • Conventional vacuum trucks often cannot access dense, informal or unpaved settlements.

How it works

The PuPu Pump is a mobile pumping unit powered by a compressor. A petrol-driven compressor unit sends air through hoses to a separate pump unit, which draws sludge from the pit and pushes it through a delivery hose into a storage tank or vacuum truck, moving sludge up to 100 meters away from the latrine. Duck bill valves let the pump handle thick sludge and small debris without clogging.

Field programme

Opero field-tested the PuPu Pump in Kisumu with manual pit emptiers, then used market insight and product-improvement feedback to position it for wider East African deployment. Service providers in Kisumu and Nakuru reported strong performance in hard-to-reach areas where conventional exhausters cannot operate. Opero now commercialises the pump in East Africa and shares standardised testing results through the WASH Technology Centre.

Diagram showing the PuPu Pump chain from latrine to storage truck
From latrine to truck: the full PuPu Pump chain
PuPu Pump pumping unit
Pumping unit
PuPu Pump compressor unit
Compressor unit
Technical sketch of the PuPu Pump assembly
Pump and compressor assembly

See it in the field

Video series produced by CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) with Opero, covering the PuPu Pump and its use by sanitation providers in Kenya.

Meet the PuPu Pump: a portable game-changer for pit emptyingAn introduction to the PuPu Pump and what makes it different from conventional emptying equipment.
The PuPu Pump: a Kenya user experienceDickens Ochieng of Gasia Poa, a Kenyan sanitation service provider, on using the PuPu Pump in the field.

Operating the pump

  1. Position the storage vehicle or tank near the latrine.
  2. Connect the air hoses between the compressor and pump unit, mixing or fluidizing the sludge if needed.
  3. Attach the sludge hoses and begin pumping.
  4. Stop once the pit is empty or the storage tank is full.
  5. Clean the inside of the sludge hoses by driving a sponge ball through them.
  6. Transport the sludge to an approved disposal site.

Technical specifications

Pump unit weight50 kg
Compressor unit weight50 kg
Maximum suction depth8 m
Total head20 m
Pumping distanceUp to 100 m (lay-flat hose, viscosity dependent)
Hose diameter100 mm (4 in), suction and delivery
Standard delivery hose30 m
Standard suction hose6 m
Yield1 to 7 m³/h, depending on sludge viscosity
Operating pressure-0.8 to 2.5 bar
Warranty1 year

What it can and cannot handle

  • Handles sanitary napkins, small bottles, condoms and rags within otherwise pumpable sludge.
  • Cannot pump garbage or solid, dry sludge.

Training and support

Operator training is recommended, and most repairs can be handled locally. A standard set includes the 30 m delivery hose, 6 m suction hose, spare parts, tools and manuals. A transport vehicle is not included. As the authorized distributor for East Africa, Opero provides this training and after-sales support directly.

Get the PuPu Pump

Enquire about the PuPu PumpRead the case study

Opero is the authorized PuPu Pump distributor for East Africa. We support sales, training and after-sales service for sanitation operators in the region.