What does Lixil in Tanzania say about this? They have probably generated some experiences with user expectations by now in this country?

Personally, I am not sure if "locally made" would always beat "imported plastic" provided the imported plastic item has lots of benefits (like low cost, durable, nice colours, light weight etc.). I am thinking about electronic items like mobile phones: Who cares that they are imported from another country? If they work and provide the right service at the right price then it's the product that consumers will desire, isn't it? (or am I viewing this too simplistically).

Regards,
Elisabeth

Thank you for your reply, sorry for the confusion, I guess I meant demand ( and have linked up with lixil in TZ therefore can create a supply), but the question is really regarding the preference, is there any experience of which would be more desirable when put head to head, i.e. something that can be locally made and replicated, versus a plastic (!!!) product that needs a supply chain?

Dear Simon,

I don't quite understand your question? Did you mean to say you can create a demand for SATO pans but want to know if they are available in Tanzania?
Looking on their website, I see Tanzania shown in their list of countries so there are probably other SATO pans already in use there:
www.sato.lixil.com/products
(however, the SATO website is still rather bare, I have to say)

Do we have others on the forum who have used SATO pans in Tanzania or neighboring countries?

Regards,
Elisabeth

I'm working with communities on the islands of lake Victoria in Tanzania. I can create a supply of the SaTo pour flush pans which would be appropriate but would depend on the availability of the product. Does anyone have any insight of the preference of SaTo products over a locally created technology such as the concrete sanplat? I do not want to push a product if it is not locally appropriate.