"The scope for positive development impact is significant, given that currently 80% of the population in urban areas does not have access to water/flush facilities connected to the sewage system."

The company's business model for urban slums is currently based on registered households paying a monthly fee for use plus a pay-per-use model for guest users. The Portable Toilet Cabins (PTCs) "Shramik" (see picture) are provided by the company, as well as installation and cleaning services. A partner organisation, Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), operates and maintains the toilets, and collects fees from the end users. 3S® Shramik receives a fixed revenue (per toilet per day) from MHT. Any revenue MHT receives above this fixed fee is kept as profit. At present the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) are guarantors of the model, covering the shortfall in the event that MHT's revenues are not sufficient to cover 3S® Shramik's fees. However, in future a sustainable business model will be developed that does not require guarantees. Indeed, the Delhi pilot shows that revenues from end users would be more than sufficient to cover fees.

3S® Shramik intends to expand the urban slum model across 5 cities in a phased manner (Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore). The scope for positive development impact is significant, given that currently 80% of the population in urban areas does not have access to water/flush facilities connected to the sewage system. The Business Innovation Facility project aims to support the company in this expansion by reviewing the operating and revenue model of the pilot, and by developing strategies for replicating a sustainable model across multiple locations.