Dear Pamela
Thank you for contributing your article,I suggest you do further reading and your article may flow as follows:-
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Body
Conclusion.

This guide also applies to other writers undergoing this task. Feel free to reach out to experts on this forum for mentorship and tips.  @Chaiwe and other forum  SuSanA moderators feel free to give the students your expert guidance to become better Sustainable Sanitation communicators. 

Good afternoon Eng , this is Alex Chanda I’d number 24005589

Challenges in Faecal Sludge Management and Inclusive Sanitation in Zambia: Global and Regional Perspectives:Globally, 3.6 billion people lack safely managed sanitation, with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bearing a disproportionate burden (WHO/UNICEF, 2021). Urbanization exacerbates this crisis, as rapid population growth outpaces infrastructure development, forcing reliance on inadequate onsite systems like pit latrines. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6—universal access to water and sanitation—remains elusive, particularly in low-income regions. In SSA, only 28% of urban residents have access to safely managed sanitation, perpetuating public health risks and environmental degradation (World Bank, 2020).  National Context in Zambia:Zambia mirrors these challenges. While 95% of urban households use onsite sanitation, just 28% benefit from safely managed services (JMP, 2021). The National Water Policy (2010) and programs like the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Program (NUWSSP) aim to improve sanitation, yet progress lags. Urban centers like Lusaka face overcrowded informal settlements, where pit latrines overflow, contaminating groundwater and spreading diseases like cholera. Fragmented governance, funding gaps, and weak enforcement hinder city-wide inclusive sanitation (CWIS) adoption, leaving marginalized communities underserved.  Barriers to Faecal Sludge Management (FSM)Zambia’s FSM systems suffer from institutional fragmentation, with unclear roles among utilities, councils, and private actors. Financing remains precarious; sanitation receives <5% of water-sector funding, relying heavily on donors (WaterAid, 2019). Low public awareness and cultural stigma around waste further impede demand for services. Informal settlements, home to 70% of urban dwellers, are often excluded from planning, perpetuating inequities.  The Plight of Pit Emptiers:Manual pit emptiers, numbering over 1,000 in Lusaka alone, endure perilous conditions (SNV, 2022). Without protective gear, they face exposure to pathogens, physical injuries, and social ostracization. Despite their critical role, they operate informally, earning meager wages with no legal protections. Efforts to professionalize FSM—such as Lusaka’s pilot mechanized emptiers—remain nascent, leaving workers vulnerable.  Toward Inclusive Solutions :Addressing Zambia’s sanitation crisis requires integrated policies, increased funding, and formal recognition of pit emptiers. Strengthening CWIS frameworks, decentralizing decision-making, and leveraging public-private partnerships can bridge service gaps. Equally vital is prioritizing pit emptiers’ rights through safety regulations, fair wages, and social inclusion. Only by centering equity and dignity can Zambia achieve sustainable sanitation for all.  ReferencesWHO/UNICEF (2021); World Bank (2020); JMP (2021); WaterAid (2019); SNV (2022).

NAME: LENARD MWAPEID NUMBER: 24005450The adoption of fecal sludge management (FSM) and inclusive citywide sanitation in Zambia faces numerous challenges, affecting the lives of pit emptiers significantly.  Zambia, faces unique obstacles, such as rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to safe and affordable sanitation services. This leads to widespread reliance on on-site sanitation systems, such as pit latrines, which, without proper management, pose significant health and environmental risks.Nationally, Zambia's sanitation sector is characterized by a significant sanitation gap, with a large proportion of the population lacking access to improved sanitation facilities. This is exacerbated by limited financial resources allocated to sanitation, weak regulatory frameworks, and a lack of coordinated efforts among stakeholders. posing serious risks to public health and the environment. Furthermore, the informal nature of pit emptying in Zambia leaves many workers vulnerable and exposed to hazardous working conditions.The plight of pit emptiers in Zambia highlights the social and economic inequalities inherent in the sanitation sector. These workers, often marginalized and lacking access to protective equipment, face significant health risks from exposure to pathogens and hazardous materials. They are frequently employed informally, lacking social protection, fair wages, and access to healthcare. Their work is essential for maintaining basic sanitation, yet they are often overlooked and undervalued. The lack of formalization and regulation of the pit emptying sector perpetuates unsafe working conditions and contributes to the perpetuation of a cycle of poverty and ill-health. Addressing the challenges of FSM and inclusive sanitation in Zambia requires a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening institutional capacity, improving regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, promoting technological innovation, and ensuring the protection and empowerment of pit emptiers. This necessitates a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable sanitation system that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of all citizens, including those working in the informal sanitation sector.

By Josiah kaole(24001753)
GLOBALLY
The world is faced with feacal oral diseases which are brought about by billions of people lacking access to safely managed sanitation services such as pit latrines and septic tanks the result is public health crisis and environmental pollution(WHO/UNICEF,2021)
REGIONALLY 
The sub-saharan Africa as over 80% of urban population rely mostly on on-site systems like pit latrines and sept tanks yet fecal sludge management remains poor ,exacerbating health and environmental  risks.(strandel et al ,2014)
NATIONALLY
 Developing countries like Zambia faces similar challenges  firsthand,where urban sanitation heavily relys on on-site systems which as poorly managed fecal sludge hence contributing to feacal oral diseases burden and environmental degradation.(WaterAid,2020)
ZAMBIA'S INCLUSIVE CITY WIDE SANITATION 
Over 70% of zambias urban population depends on onsite sanitation
With zambias capital city Lusaka alone generating about 800 tonnes of feacal sludge on a daily basis and most of it remain poorly managed(NWASCO, 2021)
Among the contributing factor to this is the lack of coherence from institutional and policy landscape which is needed to integrate feacal sludge management into urban sanitation strategies. Other factors include limited sewerage infrastructure, high operational costs,poor road access and distance to treatment facilites.These factors have made it difficult for Zambia to adopt inclusive citywide sanitation  which basically aims at ensuring that all urban residents have access to safe and sustainable sanitation (chirwa and Tembo,2022)
THE PLIGHT OF PIT EMPTIERS 
This group of people are often overlooked in the sanitation Value chain.
The pit emptiers manually remove sludge from pit latrines and sept tanks without proper protective gear and equipment exposing them to health risks such as feacal oral diseases, skin infections and respiratory illnesses(mulenga and mwiinga,2019)
Despite their crucial role in feacal sludge management the pit emptiers remain marginalised, exploited with very minimal wages.They also remain excluded from policy disclosure , service planning and formal training hence endangering  their health and dignity and also undermining their effectiveness in urban sanitation systems.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD
Zambia as the potential to improve the feacal sludge management and also improve the plight of pit emptiers by formalising the role of pit emptiers ensuring that they are empowered and motivated,investing in safe technologies  and strengthening legal and institutional framework. By  so doing will improve inclusive citywide sanitation,reduce feacal oral diseases and sustain our environment.With one health approach and collaborative effort from different players ,zambias future indeed is bright.

References
Chirwa,M.& Tembo,S.(2022).urban sanitation challenges in zambia: A policy analysis Lusaka;university of Zambia press
Mulenga,M.& Mwiinga,J.(2019)sanitation work and health in Lusaka informal settlements.urban sanitation research project,Lusaka
NWASCO(2021).urban sanitation sector report.national water supply and sanitation council
WaterAid(2020).sanitation in Zambia: A state of the sector report.WaterAid Zambia 
WHO/UNICEF(2021).Progress on Household Drinking water,sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020.Geneva.World Health Organisation 
Strande, L.et al, 2014. Feacal Sludge management: systems approach for implementation and operation. London: IWA Publishing

HI, Eng Kasoma
Fecal Sludge Management and City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation in Zambia: Challenges and
Perspective
By: Prince Mumba | Student ID: 24003041
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
Intake: 4th Year (Open Distance Learning, 2024)
  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction: Sanitation is a fundamental human right and an essential component of public health. However, over 3.6 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed sanitation services (UN-Habitat, 2023). The rapid urbanization of cities has intensified sanitation challenges, particularly in informal settlements. Effective solutions, such as Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) and City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), have been identified to help close the sanitation gap by integrating decentralized systems and improving waste management (Islamic Development Bank, 2023).
Global and Regional Perspectives: Organizations like UN-Habitat and the World Bank highlight the significance of Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) and City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) in ensuring equitable access to sanitation (UN-Habitat, 2023). In many African cities, there is a heavy reliance on onsite sanitation; however, inadequate FSM infrastructure often results in environmental pollution, including the spread of waterborne diseases (Islamic Development Bank, 2023). The African Water Association (AfWA) has reported serious challenges related to FSM and advocates for the use of sanitation modeling to improve service delivery (Eawag, 2024).
Zambia’s Approach to FSM and CWIS:  Zambia has made progress in adopting Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) and Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), spearheaded by the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO). In 2022, they launched the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Guidelines to improve sanitation services across the country. Despite these efforts, informal settlements still face significant challenges due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure and inefficient waste management systems. To effectively implement FSM in urban areas, it is essential to strengthen policy frameworks, invest in infrastructure, and provide financial support.
The Plight of Pit Emptiers: Pit emptiers play a crucial role in sanitation by removing Faecal sludge from pit latrines and septic tanks. However, they encounter significant health risks, social stigma, and unsafe working conditions (Zambia Qualifications Authority, 2024). Many of these workers lack formal recognition and do not have access to protective gear in hazardous environments (WSUP, 2023). It is essential to improve policies and working conditions while integrating pit emptiers into national sanitation frameworks to ensure a sustainable system.
Conclusion: FSM (Faecal Sludge Management) and CWIS (Citywide Inclusive Sanitation) are crucial for addressing Zambia's sanitation challenges. To ensure inclusive sanitation services that enhance public health and environmental sustainability, it is essential to invest in infrastructure, worker protection, and regulatory frameworks (NWASCO, 2022). By providing pit emptiers with proper training, protective equipment, and legal recognition, Zambia can progress toward a safer and more sustainable urban sanitation system, ultimately aligning with the global goals of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
References
1.   Eawag(2024) Sanitation modeling report. Eawag, Switzerland.
2.  Islamic Development Bank (2023). Faecal sludge management report. Islamic Development.
Bank, Saudi Arabia.
3.  NWASCO (2022) Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Guideline. National Water Supply and
Sanitation Council, Zambia.
4.  UN-Habitat (2023) Global sanitation report. United Nations Human Settlements Programme,
Kenya.
5.   WSUP (2023) Pit emptiers working conditions report. Water & Sanitation for the
Urban Poor, United Kingdom.
6.  Zambia Qualifications Authority (2024) Pit emptiers report. Zambia Qualifications
Authority, Zambia. 

Hi Eng Kasoma this is Anastasia Zulu student number 24004134
Fecal sludge management refers to the storage, collection, transport, treatment, and safe end use or disposal of fecal sludge, Challenges in Adopting Fecal Sludge Management and Inclusive City-Wide Sanitation in Zambia is plight of Pit Emptiers. Lack access to safely managed sanitation services, with faecal sludge management (FSM) remaining a critical challenge in urban and peri-urban areas (WHO/UNICEF, 2021).  Rapid urbanization and inadequate sanitation infrastructure exacerbate public health risks. Zambia, like many developing nations, struggles with inefficient FSM systems, particularly in low-income settlements where pit latrines are predominant. Despite efforts to promote inclusive city-wide sanitation, systemic barriers persist.   Zambia sanitation sector is characterized by a significant sanitation gap, with a large proportion of the population lacking access to improved sanitation facilities. urban sanitation coverage stands at 64% yet safe sludge disposal remains a challenge, with most faecal waste being dumped illegally or left untreated (NWASCO, 2022). Key barriers to FSM adoption include, Weak Policy Implementation, limited Infrastructure, few treatment plants exist forcing reliance on unsafe manual pit emptying,  financial Constraints, Low investment in FSM by municipalities and households restricts scalable solutions. Lack of coordinated efforts among stakeholders posing serious risks to health and the environment.Public Awareness Gaps, many communities lack knowledge on safe sanitation practices, perpetuating open dumping. Pit emptiers are often informal workers, face severe health and social risks. They work without Personal protective Equipment there by exposing themselves to diseases like cholera and hepatitis (WaterAid, 2019). Additionally, they endure social stigma and lack legal recognition, leaving them excluded from labor protections. Despite their essential role in urban sanitation, their working conditions remain hazardous and underpaid.  To achieve inclusive city-wide sanitation, Zambia must strengthen FSM policies, invest in treatment infrastructure, and formalize pit emptiers' roles. Collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and communities are crucial for sustainable sanitation solutions. 

HiEng Kasoma this is Pamela Kapisha Student number 24004644The introduction of fecal sludge management (FSM) and inclusive city wide sanitation in Zambia faces a number of challenges, improving the lives of pit emptiers. worldwide, FSM is recognized as crucial for public health and environmental preservation and yet many low and middle income countries find it difficult to apply these measures due to financial challenges and inadequate machines or technologies. Zambia is one of the countries that have challenges when it comes to fecal sludge management due to urban sprawl leading to limited infrastructure, access to safe and affordable sanitation services (World Bank, 2020). This has now led use of pit latrines without proper management posing health and environmental risks.However, Zambia's sanitation sector has a lot of sanitation gaps were majority of its population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities. This is as a result of limited finances allocated to sanitation poor stakeholder engagement. The absence of FSM strategies has now resulted in accumulation of untreated fecal sludge leaving pit emptiers vulnerable as they are exposed to hazardous working conditions.The hardship faced by pit emptiers in Zambia in the sanitation sector such as not having access to protective equipment exposes them to pathogens and hazardous materials(Peal et al., 2014). Pit emptiers are usually into informal employment with poor conditions of service, no access to healthcare services and lacking social protection though their work is basically to do with sanitation maintenance and yet often being unnoticed and unappreciated. The lack of formalization and regulation of the pit emptying sector prolongs unsafe working conditions leading to health issues as well as economic hardships. Nevertheless, resolving FSM and sanitation issues, Zambia needs to intensify regulatory frameworks, improve infrastructure, advancing technological innovation and ensuring the safety of pit emptiers is prioritized(International Water Association, 2019.

Dear Shimunza
I regret to inform you that this not your work ,please read the forum rules and the guide to new comers,I understand this is a learning process but indeed you need to generate your on work of course with references. Feel free to reach out for further learning and support.

Dear Chanda,
Thank you for your article,I suggest that you have your work peer reviewed and further explore the situation of  faecal sludge emptiers highlighting some case studies if possible.Review some similar articles to give a more comprehensive picture of FSM and CWIS in Zambia. 

Dear Mwila,thank you for your kind feedback. I suggest you do  further reading  in the SuSanA knowledge  hub and other resource sites,also reach out for mentorship and peer review . You still have chance to improve your article to give a great overview of FSM and CWIS in Zambia. 

Hi Eng Kasoma This is Mwila Mulenga student number 24000655
Faecal Sludge Management and Inclusive City-Wide Sanitation in Zambia: A Growing ConcernGlobally, inadequate sanitation poses significant health and environmental challenges, affecting millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4.1  billion people lack access to basic sanitation facilities (WHO, 2021). In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is particularly dire, with only 28% of the population using safely managed sanitation services (JMP, 2020).In Zambia, the sanitation crisis is made worse by rapid urbanization and population growth. According to the World Bank, only 39% of Zambia's urban population has access to improved sanitation facilities (World Bank, 2020). The lack of proper sanitation infrastructure has severe consequences, including the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) involves the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of faecal sludge from on-site sanitation facilities like pit latrines and septic tanks. However, the adoption of FSM in Zambia faces several challenges. A study by the International Water Association (IWA) highlights the need for institutional strengthening, capacity building, and investment in FSM infrastructure (IWA, 2019).Pit emptiers, the workers responsible for extracting faecal sludge from pit latrines and septic tanks, face significant occupational hazards. They often work in difficult conditions, with limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and social protection (Peal et al., 2014). The plight of pit emptiers is often overlooked, despite their critical role in maintaining public health.To achieve inclusive city-wide sanitation, Zambia needs to prioritize investments in FSM infrastructure, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve working conditions for pit emptiers. The government, in collaboration with development partners and civil society organizations, must work towards developing sustainable sanitation solutions that benefit all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable populations.

References:
IWA (2019). Faecal Sludge Management: A comparative review of policy, regulation, and institutional frameworks.
JMP (2020). Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020.
Peal, A., et al. (2014). Faecal sludge management: A review of practices, challenges, and opportunities.
WHO (2020). Sanitation.World Bank (2020). Zambia Overview.