INTRODUCTIONWorldwide, access to safe sanitation is both afundamental human right and a crucial target under Sustainable Development Goal
6 (SDG6), which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and
sanitation for all by 2030. Yet, an estimated 3.6 billion people still do not
have safely managed sanitation services (WHO/UNICEF, 2023). In sub-Saharan
Africa, urban growth continues to outpace the development of sanitation
infrastructure, leaving millions to depend on on-site systems such as pit
latrines and septic tanks. Well, Zambia is no different but especially in
cities such as Lusaka where more than 70% of the urban population thrives in
informal settlements that are not even sanitized (WSUP, 2020).There are a number of critical challenges toscaling up faecal sludge management (FSM) and achieving inclusive sanitation
for all in Zambia. Much urbanization has also happened hastily and in an
unplanned manner, leading to densely settled areas with little approval or
space for sanitation systems. There is limited financial investment in FSM and
existing policies and regulations have been poorly enforced or are outdated.
Heating Fuel and Electricity use remains a primary utility concern for European
data centers, with the latter playing a critical role in engineering environmental
impact. Water and Waste possibly the most fundamental elements of utility
management – especially across unmanaged urban, peri-urban and low-income areas
– are often found to be outside of the purview and technical expertise of the
utility companies, networks and councils assuming water, sanitation and waste
treatment responsibilities. (Nguyen et al., 2021).Among the most vulnerable groups in this sanitationlandscape are pit emptiers. These frontline workers are responsible for
manually or mechanically removing sludge from latrines—often under extremely
unsafe and undignified conditions. Exposure to toxic waste and infectious
diseases is common, and most pit emptiers operate without adequate protective
equipment. They also face significant social stigma and lack formal recognition
or labour protections, making them economically and socially marginalized
despite their essential role (Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company,
2022). Conclusion Achievinginclusive city-wide sanitation and effective FSM in Zambia requires a concerted
effort to address policy gaps, invest in infrastructure, and support the
professionalization of pit emptying services. By prioritizing these measures,
Zambia can improve public health outcomes, protect the environment, and ensure
dignity for all its citizens
References

• WHO/UNICEF (2023). Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 2023 Update.
• WSUP (2020). Citywide Inclusive Sanitation in Lusaka: An Overview.
• Nguyen, H., Strande, L., & Koottatep, T. (2021). Faecal Sludge Management: Policies and Regulations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (2022). FSM in Lusaka: Pit Emptiers and Their Role in Urban Sanitation.