Natural Resources, School of
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
Document Type
Manuscript
Date of this Version
7-22-2025
Citation
Manuscript, July 22, 2025
Abstract
In the shadows of Zambia’s rapidly growing urban and peri-urban communities lies an invisible but mounting threat, the mismanagement of septic waste. While national dialogue often focuses on economic development, climate change, or energy, the sanitation crisis receives little public attention, yet it poses an equally severe risk to public health, environmental integrity, and sustainable urbanization. Zambia’s poor septic waste management, if left unaddressed, is a disaster in waiting.
Septic waste refers to the wastewater and solid waste that flows from toilets, sinks, and other domestic plumbing fixtures into on-site sanitation systems such as septic tanks or pit latrines. This waste includes a mixture of human excreta, water, soap residue, and organic matter, and requires proper containment, periodic emptying, and safe disposal to prevent environmental pollution and public health hazards.
Included in
Africana Studies Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Sustainability Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
Copyright 2025, Andrew Mwape. Used by permission