AUTHOR: KATAYI MUSONDA (24002140)
Fecal sludge management as been a challenge especially developing countries worldwide and lack of policy and guidelines aimed at sound management fecal sludge further increasing the risk disease out breaks. In FSM, the plight of pit emptiers can not be over stated for this cadre faces more challenges socially, physically and to some extent mentally due to the stigma that comes with the nature of the job.
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). Fecal sludge management (FSM) is important as it addresses these issues, especially particularly 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 urbanization has led to overcrowded informal settlements, which often rely on pit latrines that are poorly maintained and frequently overflow. The African Development Bank emphasizes that without proper FSM systems, citiesrisk facing public health crises as untreated fecal 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 marginalization, 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 recognizing and improving the conditions for pit emptiers, Zambia can work towards a more inclusive and sustainable sanitation system, a step to achieving SDG No. 6 under the sustainable development goals by 2030.  

REFERENCES
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2. African Development Bank. (2016). Africa’s Urban Agenda: A Strategic Framework for
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3. Government of Zambia. (2020). National Urban Sanitation Strategy: Progress Report. Lusaka:
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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
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