BASF and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Help Improve Sanitation for Local Community

Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – September 9, 2019 – BASF, in collaboration with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), will provide the local community in Turbhe Store, Navi Mumbai, with a safe and affordable sanitation facility. This concludes the second phase of the “BASF Landmark Project” where the renovated and upgraded public toilet block is expected to benefit more than 200 families. 

The sanitation block was dedicated to the community by Honorable Mayor of Navi Mumbai, Shri. Jayawant Dattatray Sutar, along with Smt. Mandakini Mhatre, Deputy Mayor, NMMC and Shri. Annasaheb Misal, Commissioner, NMMC and Shri. Narayan Krishnamohan, Managing Director, BASF India and Head, BASF South Asia, as well as other dignitaries from BASF and NMMC. In the first phase of Landmark Project a “water ATM” was unveiled at Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya School No. 22, at Turbhe Store in August 2018.  

As part of the second phase of the Landmark Project, the refurbished public toilet block provides facilities accessible to the community including children and people with special needs and has signage promoting health and hygiene. The block has been constructed and equipped with high quality BASF products from the Construction Chemicals as well as Care Chemicals businesses. It comprises seven toilets for women and eight toilets for men along with shower and hand washing facilities.

Safety and hygiene were primary considerations when designing the facility. Key safety feature includes an external septic tank. Internal lights and external flood lights are powered by solar energy. The block will also have a sanitary products dispenser and a green belt around the facility to improve aesthetics. It provides facilities and resources for a caretaker who is responsible for regular cleaning and maintenance. A daily pass system will allow the users to access the facility at a nominal cost.

The Landmark Project is an innovative community-based social business model set up by BASF on land provided by NMMC. The project is a fitting example of public-private partnerships towards community development. It represents a holistic approach to water and sanitation.

The concept for the Landmark Project was first developed through a series of social dialog sessions in Mumbai during BASF’s 150th anniversary activities in 2015. The Landmark Project is being implemented in cooperation with a group of expert partners. Waterlife India designed and constructed the water ATM and will run it for 10 years using BASF Ultrafiltration membrane inge®. Abhiyanta Corporation, refurbished the public toilet block using BASF’s MasterSeal®, MasterEmaco® and MasterProtect®. STEP, an organization which provides environmental engineering expertise, is the implementation partner for the overall project. The project will be transferred to a local community-based organization in Navi Mumbai for ownership and operation after two years.