The successful realisation
of Zambia's 2030 Open Defecation Free (ODF) Strategy and the broader
Sustainable Development Goal 6 which is about “clean water and sanitation for all”
hinges on the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders in the
sanitation value chain.
Amidst this important mission,
a formidable challenge looms: the escalating impact of climate change,
manifesting through relentless floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures.
These environmental upheavals cast a looming shadow over the very fabric of
sanitation systems, ranging from basic pit latrines to waterborne toilets, septic
tanks and treatment plants.
Neighbouring countries
like Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique experienced the devastating effects of
Cyclone Freddy early this year, which triggered a cholera outbreak leading to
thousands of fatalities. Unrestricted by national boundaries, the outbreak
reached Zambia, initially affecting the border town of Vubwi before spreading to
other parts of the country.
In Zambia itself, impacts
of climate change are becoming increasingly evident through flooding resulting
in damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges and drainage systems, disrupting
lives and placing a huge strain on the national treasury. For instance, in the 2022/23
rain season, despite the relatively new Bombay Drainage System, several areas of
Lusaka experienced flooding, threatening water sources and sanitation infrastructure.
In view of the
adversities of climate change, it is important to design sanitation systems that
are resilient. This means it is no longer business as usual for the
construction sector; their designs and materials used must factor in the realities
of climate change. Solid sanitation systems are key to the preservation of
public health and should be underpinned by well-constructed and robust
sanitation infrastructure.
Sanitation infrastructure
serves as a safeguard for public health, while concurrently providing avenues
for the judicious reuse of waste to boost agricultural productivity and elevate
energy practices towards a greener horizon.
Regrettably, a stark
reality persists. According to the Joint Monitoring Program (JMP, 2023), at
least 12.8 million Zambians of lower socioeconomic status remain without access
to basic sanitation facilities, i.e. they are using improved facilities which
are shared with other households.
Improved sanitation
facilities are those designed to hygienically separate excreta from human contact
and include flush/pour flush toilets; pit latrines with slabs (including
ventilated pit latrines), and composting toilets. There is urgent need for targeted
interventions to dismantle the entrenched inequalities and vulnerabilities that
plague poor communities.
While climate change is
often associated with negative consequences, it is important for us to adopt a
proactive approach and explore potential opportunities. Emphasizing the
development and accessibility of affordable climate-resilient sanitation
technologies such as EcoSan systems and decentralised wastewater treatment can
be a useful step towards enhancing sanitation coverage and sustainability
across the country.
To achieve these
ambitious objectives, various stakeholders, including the government,
non-governmental organizations, private sector and communities must join hands.
Collaboration among these actors can foster innovative solutions, create funding
mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives to drive progress in the sanitation
sector.
Promoting public
awareness and behavior change campaigns around proper sanitation practices and
climate resilience can significantly contribute to long-term success and
sustainability of sanitation initiatives.
Promoting awareness and
educating communities about climate-resilient sanitation practices can foster
ownership and proper usage of sanitation facilities, increasing overall
resilience.
Engaging in
knowledge-sharing and learning from successful models implemented in other
regions can provide valuable insights and support the replication of effective
strategies in Zambia.
Implementers of Community
Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programs should from the onset integrate climate
resilience in their programming and share available sanitation options so that
durable facilities are built.
Public funding such as
the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should help communities build
climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure to reduce the incidences and
prevalence of sanitation slippage which is common in rural areas after every rainy
season. Procurement teams and those supervising
public works also need to be aware of this.
Attaining goals in the
2030 ODF Strategy and SDG 6 requires collective determination and coordinated
action by stakeholders.
Sanitation has huge
potential to support other sectors like agriculture and energy which provide enormous
economic development opportunities at household and national levels.
By acknowledging the
critical linkages between climate change and sanitation, we can pave way for a
healthier, more sustainable, and resilient Zambia, ensuring that no one is left
behind in this transformative journey.
