As I was scrolling through social media today on the Zambia Reports page, something caught my attention: 12 residents of Kantenshya Ward have been arrested for not having toilets ( here ).  At first, I was shocked, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised this is about more than just arrests.

What does the law say about Toilet ownership?
Zambia's Water Supply & Sanitation Act No. 28 of 1997 and the Public Health Act Chapter 295 of the Laws of Zambia require access to safe, hygienic toilets to protect public health

Why does it matter?

• Lack of toilets= open defecation=cholera, diarrhoea, and other diarrhoeal diseases
• Punishment alone won't change behaviour if communities lack access to necessary infrastructure and resources

As a passionate young WASH advocate, I see this as more than enforcement, it's a ''call to action'', because Communities need real, sustainable solutions such as affordable toilets, hygiene education, and strong local ownership to drive lasting change

Essential Insights:

• Enforcement raises urgency
• Accessible infrastructure + education drives real behaviour change
• Youth voices matter ? we can lead advocacy, awareness, and solutions

In summary, when toilets are missing, health suffers and now, freedom too. The Kantenshya arrests show why Zambia and other countries affected by a lack of adequate WASH facilities need more than punishment; of course, through real change comes from safe toilets, education, and community-driven solutions.