Private emptiers' perspectives on the regulation of faecal sludge emptying services in Sub-Saharan Africa

Alix Lerebours,Rebecca Scott,Kevin Sansom

doi:10.2166/washdev.2021.026

Alix Lerebours, Rebecca Scott + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2021.026

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Abstract

AbstractUsing a two-round Delphi study, 15 faecal sludge emptiers from 11 cities in Sub-Saharan Africa have expressed views on the regulation of faecal sludge emptying services. Their responses identify the regulatory mechanisms in place where they operate, their opinions of these mechanisms, and prioritisation of those considered most useful to enable safe emptying services for all urban residents. All respondents (100%) support regulation, with 80% finding the regulation they encounter useful. However, all also state that regulatory mechanisms should extend beyond only rules and sanctions, to incorporate support, incentives and pro-poor mechanisms. This study is the first to provide a first-hand account of Sub-Saharan African private emptiers' willingness to accept clear regulation. In that regard, regulation should be flexible and adapted to the context in order to facilitate fair competition, safe and satisfactory service for customers and workers alike, and to alleviate the public and environmental health risks.

Highlights

Less than 40% of the world’s population has access to safely managed sanitation (WHO & UNICEF 2017), with serious public health risks (Fewtrell et al 2005), as well as economic and social consequences (Jenkins et al 2014; Rusca et al 2018)
In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), over 80% of the population uses onsite sanitation facilities (WHO & UNICEF 2017), requiring adequate emptying and transport services of the faecal sludge contained in pits and tanks to be safely managed
Findings suggest that based on their experience, the emptiers consider regulation to contribute to alleviating the risks their services pose to public and environmental health, in agreement with the literature (Parkinson & Quader 2008; Murungi & van Dijk 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Less than 40% of the world’s population has access to safely managed sanitation (WHO & UNICEF 2017), with serious public health risks (Fewtrell et al 2005), as well as economic and social consequences (Jenkins et al 2014; Rusca et al 2018). Most service providers are small private operators, often limited in scale and profitability (Kone et al 2014) They pose a threat to public and environmental health when they do not dispose of collected sludge adequately, or work in a hygienic manner (Parkinson & Quader 2008). They face personal risk of diseases and injuries when good working procedures or the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are not adopted (Jenkins et al 2014; Murungi & van Dijk 2014)

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