Climate-Resilient Sanitation Systems

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.