Globally, the issue of sanitation has gained increasing attention. The United Nations highlights that billions of people still lack access to basic sanitation facilities.  The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program reports ”2 billion people use unsafe sanitation facilities, leading to significant health and environmental challenges” (WHO& UNICEF, 2021). FSM is important as it addresses these issues, especially in urban areas where traditional sanitation systems struggle to cope with growing populations.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the urgency for effective sanitation solutions has never been more pressing. Rapid urbanisation has led to overcrowded informal settlements, which often rely on pit latrines that are poorly maintained and frequently overflow. The African Development Bank emphasises that without proper FSM systems, cities risk facing public health crises as untreated faecal waste contaminates water sources and fosters disease outbreaks (African Development Bank, 2016).

Nationally, Zambia's sanitation landscape reflects these regional challenges. Although the Zambian government has initiated policies aimed at improving urban sanitation and developing inclusive approaches to city-wide sanitation, progress remains slow. According to a report by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, many urban areas still lack the necessary infrastructure, funding, and regulatory frameworks to support effective FSM and sanitation systems (Government of Zambia, 2020).

A key but often overlooked aspect of this issue is the plight of pit emptiers, who play a crucial role in maintaining sanitation services in urban settings. These individuals, usually working informally, face immense challenges. They often work with hazardous materials without protective gear, exposing themselves to health risks (Hale et al., 2015). Furthermore, social stigma surrounding their work can lead to discrimination and marginalisation, limiting their access to support and training. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach that includes developing robust regulatory frameworks, increasing investments in sanitation infrastructure, and integrating the voices of pit emptiers into the planning process.

By recognising and improving the conditions for pit emptiers, Zambia can work towards a more inclusive and sustainable sanitation system, a step towards achieving SDG No. 6 under the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  

REFERENCES

1. World Health Organization & United Nations Children's Fund. (2021). Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020: Five years into the SDGs. Geneva: WHO.
2. African Development Bank. (2016). Africa’s Urban Agenda: A Strategic Framework for African Cities and Towns. Abidjan: African Development Bank.
3. Government of Zambia. (2020). National Urban Sanitation Strategy: Progress Report. Lusaka: Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation.
4. Hale, M., Cheeseman, I., & Alila, P.(2015). The role of informal service providers in urban sanitation: The case of pit emptiers in urban areas of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. International Institute for Environment and Development.

Introduction 
Worldwide, access to safe sanitation is both a fundamental human right and a crucial target under the 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.

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 sanitised (WSUP, 2020). There are a number of critical challenges to scaling up faecal sludge management (FSM) and achieving inclusive sanitation for all in Zambia. Much urbanisation 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 for European data centres remain a primary utility concern, 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 sanitation landscape 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 marginalised despite their essential role (Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company, 2022).

Conclusion 
Achieving inclusive city-wide sanitation and effective FSM in Zambia requires a concerted effort to address policy gaps, invest in infrastructure, and support the professionalisation of pit emptying services. By prioritising 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.