Factors Determining the Actual Emptying Fees for Fecal Sludge in Unplanned Residential Areas of Lusaka District, Zambia

Mampi Silumesii; Erastus Mwanaumo; Lucky Mwiinga

doi:10.37284/ijar.7.1.2125

Mampi Silumesii University of Zambia
Erastus Mwanaumo, PhD University of Zambia
Lucky Mwiinga Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/ijar.7.1.2125

Keywords: Factors, Emptying Fees, Fecal Sludge, Unplanned Residential Areas

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Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, and specifically in Zambia, managing fecal sludge presents significant challenges, particularly in the unplanned residential areas of Lusaka where the majority of the population relies on pit latrines. Despite these challenges, the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) has intensified its efforts to improve sanitation by establishing a dedicated Faecal Sludge Management Unit. This unit not only provides essential services such as the emptying and transportation of fecal sludge but also coordinates with various service providers to ensure that these services are regulated and systematically implemented. The current study used a case study design and explored the factors influencing the determination of emptying fees in these areas, employing a mixed-methods approach that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses, guided by the Theory of Environmentally Responsible Behavior. The findings from the study reveal that several factors significantly influence the pricing of fecal sludge emptying services. The volume of the pit or septic tank, known as the level of sludge, is the primary factor, accounting for 45.5% of the decision on pricing according to service providers. Other important factors include the distance to the disposal site and the speed of response, each playing a critical role in fee determination. In response to these findings, the study makes several recommendations aimed at improving fecal sludge management in Lusaka. These include promoting flexible regulatory frameworks that accommodate both small-scale and large-scale service providers, establishing standards for pit latrine construction that facilitate easier emptying, and enforcing licensing for service providers to ensure environmental and personal safety. Additionally, the study advocates for educational initiatives on latrine maintenance and the potential reuse of fecal sludge, thereby enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of sanitation services in the region

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