Benchmarking Sanitation Excellence: ONAD’s South-South Learning Mission to Thailand and Malaysia
BANGKOK & KUALA LUMPUR — As part of its commitment to improving national sanitation services, Burkina Faso’s Office National de l’Assainissement (ONAD) embarked on a benchmarking mission to Thailand and Malaysia from May 4–9, 2025. The mission sought to observe regional best practices in fecal sludge and wastewater management — particularly models in which service delivery is delegated to a single private operator across the sanitation value chain.
Led by ONAD representatives Mrs. Ya Deguene Elisabetta Mbow and Mrs. Pale Julienne Sie, the mission emphasized learning through real-world observation and peer exchange. The visit was coordinated by Global Water & Sanitation Center at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT-GWSC) in collaboration with local utility partners and research institutions.
During the Thailand leg of the mission, the ONAD delegation engaged with water and sanitation experts at AIT, including Professor Sangam Shrestha, Ms. Isha Basyal, Mr. Santipong Grailert, and Mr. Hendra Gupta. The delegation visited advanced laboratory facilities at AIT such as the Fecal Sludge Proficiency Testing Laboratory and the Prefabricated Wastewater Testing Lab, as well as demonstration sites showcasing decentralized wastewater technologies. These visits provided insights into the testing, treatment, and reuse of wastewater and sludge in various contexts.
“To create quality sanitation systems grounded in both innovation and practicality, countries can adapt solutions to their own contexts by observing field-tested models and engaging in technical dialogue.” – Professor Sangam Shrestha .
The delegation also visited key treatment facilities in Bangkok:
The Nong Khem Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP), operated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, with a capacity of 600 m³/day.
The Lumpo Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP), managed by Thailand’s Wastewater Management Authority, part of a centralized network serving 25 urban areas.
The benchmarking continued in Kuala Lumpur, where the team met with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) — Malaysia’s national sewerage company. Stakeholder discussions covered policy frameworks and utility partnerships, with a focus on efficiency and cost-recovery mechanisms in large-scale systems.
The delegation also toured the Pantai Sewage Treatment Plant, a cutting-edge underground facility serving Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley. The plant incorporates biological treatment processes within a compact footprint, enabling effective urban sanitation while optimizing land use.
This South-South learning exchange was not only a technical visit but also a platform for collaborative thinking. It reinforced the importance of knowledge sharing, public-private collaboration, and institutional capacity building in addressing global sanitation challenges.
The mission concluded with a wrap-up discussion, where the ONAD team outlined key takeaways for adaptation in Burkina Faso. The experience underscored how practical exposure to functioning models can help inform national strategies for inclusive, efficient, and sustainable sanitation services.
