Kitwe District Research Articles

Stakeholders' Experiences and Preferences Regarding Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Zambia: Implications for Determining Programme Priorities and Strategies.

Understanding and exploring stakeholders' perceptions and preferences regarding comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is critical in enhancing programme acceptability. We conducted this qualitative study to explore stakeholders' experiences and preferences of CSE in Kitwe district, Zambia. We employed a qualitative descriptive design within the interpretive paradigm at nine purposefully selected secondary schools. Data were collected through classroom observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. In depth interviews were undertaken among 21 pupils, 17 teachers, 4 policymakers, 4 parents, and 4 religious leaders. Two focus group discussions were conducted among 14 pupils with each group having seven pupils. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Interviews continued until data saturation. Our analysis yielded themes on stakeholder experiences of CSE which included: a lack of pupil-centred pedagogy; a lack of stakeholder engagement; a lack of CSE competency and skills; holding back culturally sensitive topics; a lack of guidance from the comprehensive sexuality curriculum; and a lack of CSE prioritisation in schools. Themes on preferences included: the formation of community advisory boards; the need to enhance teachers' professional competencies, linking CSE with community SRH services, pupils SRH needs assessment. A community participatory approach to the design and implementation of a CSE programme is critical in enhancing programme acceptability in schools. While understanding the experiences and preferences of pupils regarding CSE can help determine programme content and priority, improving teachers' competency and skills through appropriate CSE training can help to reconcile teachers' personal beliefs and the content of CSE.

Adolescents' risky sexual behaviours and practices: Implications for sexuality education implementation in Zambia.

Adolescents' risky sexual behaviours (RSB) are detrimental to their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) well-being and present a serious public health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to assess RSB among Grade 12 school-going adolescents after exposure to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). This study was conducted in Kitwe district, Zambia. This cross-sectional study included 807 Grade 12 pupils at 13 selected secondary schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Proportionate probability sampling involving 13 schools was employed. Risky sexual behaviours binary outcome variables were based on transactional sex, sex while drunk, multiple sexual partners, age-disparate sexual relationships, and condomless sex. We conducted univariate and bivariate analyses to summarise sociodemographic factors and fitted binary and multivariable logistic regression models. The prevalence of RSB was 40.4%. Drinking alcohol (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 20.825; 95% CI [6.7-64.489]); ever had sex (AOR = 9.024; 95% CI [1.953-41.704]); school location (AOR = 6.50; 95% CI [1.61-26.24]); living with mother only (AOR = 4.820; 95% CI [1.328-17.493]); sex (male) (AOR = 2.632; 95% CI [1.469-4.713]), watching pornography (AOR = 1.745; 95% CI [1008-3.021]); religion (AOR = 0.472; 95% CI [0.250-0.891]) and attending religious functions (AOR = 0.317; 95% CI [0.118-0.848]) were significantly associated with RSB. Of the sexually active pupils, 221 (67.7%), 64 (19.6%) and 41 (12.5%) were in the low, medium and high-risk categories, respectively. Close to half of the respondents engaged in RSB. This is a significant number that needs intervention. The CSE programme needs to be linked with structural programmes that address the social drivers of RSB among adolescents.Contribution:The study provides a backdrop for evaluating current CSE strategies in LMICs.

Cultural appropriateness of a comprehensive sexuality education programme. Implications for programme adaptation and implementation in Zambia

ABSTRACT Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) inclusive of cultural values and viewpoints is vital for promoting healthy sexual behaviour among adolescents. Although culture forms a huge part of the adolescent’s external environment and influences sexual behaviour, it is not always clear how culture has been conceptualised and integrated into CSE. We conducted a document review and interviews in nine selected schools in Kitwe district, Zambia. In-depth interviews (50) and two focus groups took place with 64 purposefully selected participants including pupils (35), parents (4), teachers (17), policymakers (4) and religious leaders (4). Data collection continued until saturation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed six main themes: the relevance of culturally appropriate CSE; lack of cultural diversity; the breakdown of traditional and social fabrics; imported CSE Western content; lack of participatory and learner-centred approaches to CSE; and age-inappropriate CSE. Analysis of the Zambian CSE framework revealed no evidence of culture being conceptualised and incorporated into the CSE curriculum. There is a need to ensure that CSE programmes are adapted to the cultural contexts in which they are applied. Engagement with the local community may be helpful in this respect.

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Change Dynamics Associated with Mining Activities in Kitwe District and Adequacy of the Legal Framework on Mine Closure in Zambia

Land use land cover (LULC) changes resulting from copper exploration in Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province has adversely impacted the environment. To understand LULC change dynamics associated with mining activities, this study mapped LULC changes using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) from 1990 to 2020. In addition, the Zambian legal framework for mine closure was assessed in terms of adequacy and comprehensiveness. A remote sensing analysis using Landsat TM (1990, 2000, and 2010) and OLI (2020) images was performed and the GEE Random Forest classifier algorithm was employed to detect LULC changes. Then, transition matrices and overall changes were calculated for each LULC class. The LULC classification had an overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of 82.47% and 0.78, respectively. In total, 45.2% of the district area (360.92 km2) experienced LULC changes from 1990 to 2020. The overall change indicates that the areas of built-up area, bare land, and grassland/pasture/agricultural land gained 35.84, 14.67, and 43.53 km2, respectively, while forest lost 95.30 km2, with the major driver being the privatization of mining companies. Several concerns regarding the mine closure process practiced in Zambia have principally been raised to the government. Although the legislation generally conformed to international best practices, a gap involving various pieces of legislation, overlapping requirements, and different interpretations of the laws by different governmental departments makes the system complex and unmanageable. An area of concern is the government’s capability and competence to implement legislation. Ineffective law enforcement, that is, the inadequacy of the legislation, is to blame for LULC changes in mining areas, resulting in mining corporations not paying attention to the changes made, particularly regarding mine closures. This study provides decision-makers and land use planners with baseline knowledge on LULC changes that can be valuable for future mining legislation and how these legislations can be effectively executed to ensure sustainable mine closure.

Factors contributing to the withdrawal of wife battery cases at police stations: a case of Kitwe district in Zambia

This study sought to determine the factors that contribute to the withdrawal of wife battery casesin Kitwe District at police stations using a descriptive case study. The study utilized both primary and secondary data from a sample of 42 participants and a review of 40 police case dockets of the victims. Methods of data collection included observation, interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study findings showed that socioeconomic, psychosocial, socio-cultural and institutional factors contributed to the withdrawal of wife battery cases.

Sources of Secondary School Science Teacher’s Knowledge and Learner’s Lived Experiences in An Inclusive School Setting in Kitwe, Zambia.

Background: Zambia, like any other country that is concerned with the rights to education of all learners, has prioritized inclusive education. Inclusive education is a fundamental right recognized by national and international policies. For example, Article 69 of the United Nations (2016) General Comment CRPD/C/GC/4 stresses the need for inclusive teacher education across all educational levels. In this context, our study investigated secondary school science teachers’ sources of knowledge about inclusion and explored the lived experiences of learners with special education needs in an inclusive setup in Kitwe district, Zambia. Specifically, the study explored secondary school science teachers’ sources of knowledge about inclusion and the lived experiences of some learners with Special Education Needs (SEN) in expanding their capabilities in an inclusive setup in Kitwe district, Zambia. Methods: A qualitative case study design was employed, involving 12 participants: six science teachers and six learners with special education needs. These participants were purposively selected from three secondary schools recognized as successful inclusive schools in Kitwe district, located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the collected data. Findings: The study indicates that teachers’ main sources of knowledge about inclusive education include pre-service training and in-service training through Continuous Professional Development (CPDs), seminars and workshops, literature, internet, and knowledge from other people through research. Further, the study indicated that most learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) were determined, strong, full of self-esteem and resilient because of some positive attitudes and help they were receiving from some teachers and fellow pupils. However, they were constrained by their families’ economic and financial status and the school environments, among them. As such, learners were not availed with complete freedom to make meaningful choices due to the above structural challenges which would not help to boost their capabilities. These findings underscore the need for deliberate programs to enhance the practical application of inclusive education principles both at school and the entire community. Conclusion: Drawing from the study’s insights, the following conclusions can be drawn; secondary school science teachers’ main sources of knowledge about inclusive education include pre-service training and in-service training through CPDs, seminars and workshops, including literature, internet, and knowledge from other people through research. Economic and financial status and the school environment are among the constraints that make it difficult for learners with special education needs to realise their full potential in an inclusive setting. Our findings highlight the importance of deliberate programs to apply inclusive education principles both at home and in schools. The study, therefore, recommends collaborations between the schools and stakeholders, including the communities as being crucial to realizing the full potential of learners with special educational needs in inclusive settings.

The Consumer Attitude Towards the Consumption of Genetically Modified Foods in Zambia: A Case of Kitwe District on the Copperbelt

The purpose of this study was to explore consumer’s attitudes towards the consumption of Genetically Modified foods, in Kitwe district of the Copperbelt Province, Zambia and to learn the current government stance and policy on GM foods. The sample comprised of 353 men and women randomly selected. For data collection and analysis, combinations of both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed, with instruments consisting of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. SPSS software was used for generating graphs for quantitative data. Analyses data showed that, most of the respondent’s attitudes towards GM seem to be negative; the biggest issue that drew negativity towards GMO were regarding trust, risk, social norms and the intention to purchase. The public does not trust GMOs because not much tests or research have been done here in Zambia for any side effects.

Social-economic factors affecting small business performance among chisokone marketers in Kitwe district of Copperbelt Province, Zambia

Globally, marketers are increasingly recognized as important drivers of economic growth and are widely accepted as key aspect of economic dynamism. Small businesses are a driving force not only for economic growth, but also poverty reduction through job creation. Industrialization and economic growth come from small businesses that grow to big industries. Therefore, the study aimed at assessing socio-economic factors affecting small business performance among Chisokone marketers in Kitwe district of Copperbelt province, Zambia. The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative methods and a descriptive survey design that sampled council members for Kitwe district and Chisokone market marketers. Data was obtained from the respondents by means of interviews and questionnaires. Frequency tables, graphs, figures and pie-charts were used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data. Data was also analyzed by the use of softwares; Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16). The results showed that most respondents had a strong feeling that there were factors affecting business growth in a negative way such as SMEs financing. The findings also revealed that majority of SMEs (53%) were not legally registered. Many businesses fall under sole proprietorship and the main source of finance or capital is from the family and friends. 77% of SMEs stated lack of collateral which hampers business operations resulting in unwillingness for banks to finance them; 63% lacked business management experience and 85% lacked technological advancement to enhance the overall performance. Despite marketers’ willingness to do business, crucial social economic factors such as access to finance, market demand and infrastructure are lacking. The study therefore recommended that sustainable policy interventions or technical support should be provided by government or non-governmental organizations to ensure small scale sustainable business growth.

Civic education and conflict resolutions: A case of selected secondary schools in Kitwe district of Copperbelt Province, Zambia

“Civic Education” means all the processes that affect people’s beliefs, commitments, capabilities, and actions as members or prospective members of communities. The study was guided by conceptual framework emanating from three strands of Civic Education which are; Civic knowledge, Civic Skills and Civic Values. Related literature on conflict management styles as well as concept and goals of Civic Education were consulted. The study demonstrated the importance of teaching Civic Education as a tool for conflict resolution in the community through the provision of knowledge on: human rights, imparting of civic skills for effective participation, for conflict resolution and for effective leadership. Hence, the study was conducted to ascertain how Civic Education can be used in conflict resolutions especially at community level in selected secondary schools in Kitwe district of Copperbelt province in Zambia. The study involved both the qualitative and quantitative methods and a descriptive research design that sampled the head teachers, teachers of civic education, pupils of civic education and selected members of the community. Data was obtained from the respondents by means of interviews and questionnaires. Frequency tables, graphs, figures and pie-charts were used to analyze the qualitative data whereas quantitative data were analyzed by the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16). The findings indicated that the teaching of Civic Education in secondary schools in Zambia enables learners to be critical thinkers and also helping in curbing social challenges. Strategies used in the teaching of Civic Education in secondary school which includes; affiliation to subject association, pupils’ administrative boards, invitation of professionals, conducting of education tours to public institutions and also through community engagement were discussed as presented by respondents. Learner centered methods which includes; discussion, debate, research and explanation were also discussed.

Perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kitwe district of Zambia: a qualitative explorative study

BackgroundGlobally, hormonal contraceptives have proved to be effective in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. However, despite evidence of the many benefits associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives, concerns related to their safety and side effects have been reported. We conducted a study to explore the perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kitwe district of Zambia.MethodsAn explorative qualitative study was done among 32 women of reproductive age (18–45 years). Participants were selected conveniently as they accessed family planning services at a designated reproductive, maternal, and child health facility. Data collection was done through in-depth interviews (IDIs). Recruitment of participants and data collection continued until the saturation point was reached. The interviews were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Data were imported into NVivo.x64 for coding and node generation after which categories and themes were developed manually.ResultsOverall, participants demonstrated a considerable amount of knowledge of family planning, recounting the economic and health benefits as well as demerits of family planning use. The main reasons for discontinuing and switching hormonal contraceptive methods were the desire to get pregnant and the fear of unpleasant side effects, including excessive bleeding or prolonged menstruation, headache, dizziness, lower abdominal/back pain, and weight gain. Most importantly, participants cited concerns about the delay in the resumption of fertility after the termination of contraception and how the side effects disrupted their daily activities at home.ConclusionThere is a need for family planning providers to offer family planning services that address the side effects of hormonal contraceptives during counselling and how women can manage them. Family planning services should adopt a patient-centred approach that takes into consideration the concerns regarding side effects and how this affects the quality of life among women. Also, there is a need to extend family planning services to include scheduled follow-ups and clinical management of contraceptive side effects among women.

Investigating the Soil Quality of Mindolo in Kitwe District

The study sough to investigate the quality of soil in Mindolo area in Kitwe of the Copperbelt province. The main objective of this study is to establish the effects that mining activities have on the soil quality of Mindolo township in Kitwe. A total of five (5) samples were used for the analysis. The soil samples were taken to the Copperbelt University laboratory for analysis. To determine the metal concentrates in the soil, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used. The results of the study were that the soil quality of Mindolo had high alkaline levels due to contamination with heavy metals, which include Fe, Cu, Co, and Pb. Keywords: Soil Quality, Contamination,and the study adopted Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-2-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Measures Used to Sustain Hospitality and Tourism Industry During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Selected Establishments in the Copperbelt Province in Zambia

Purpose: This study explored sustainability measures used in the hospitality and tourism industry and determined their effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic in selected towns in the Copperbelt Province. Methods: With an interpretative stance, a phenomenology qualitative research was conducted among 15 participants who were purposively selected. Data were collected using interviews and analyzed thematically. Result: We found out that measures are used to sustain the hospitality and tourism industry. The majority of the participants effectively used the measures to sustain their establishments while a few did not. There is a need for preparedness in the industry in case of any adverse changes occurring in the environment Contribution: This research contributes a qualitative interpretation of how the hospitality and tourism industry sustained itself during the COVID-19 era. It provides a basis for informed decision-making in sustaining the industry amidst uncertainties Originality: The study used a qualitative perspective to understand phenomena regarding the sustainability of tourism during the pandemic which was novel in Kitwe District.

The Impact of Free Primary Education at Compulsory Level on the Management of Public Primary Schools in Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia

The Impact of Free Primary Education at Compulsory Level on the Management of Public Primary Schools in Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia

The Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse on Pupils Academic Performance: A Case Study of Mindolo Secondary School in Kitwe, Zambia

: The study analyses the causes and effects of drug abuse on academic performance of pupils at Mindolo secondary school in Kitwe District, Zambia. This study used a descriptive survey design to find out the causes and effects of drug abuse on pupil’s academic performance. Questionnaire and interviews were the instruments used to collect data and data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (SPSS). The mean and the standard deviation were used to see the trends in the data. The results of the study reviewed that Alcohol was frequently abused by pupils at Mindolo secondary school and that factors such as peer pressure, low self-esteem, and availability of drugs contributed to the abuse of drugs. The abuse of these drugs has led to poor performance, absenteeism, and low concentration in class amongst pupils. The other effects of drug abuse were suspensions, dropping out of school, and failure to participate in various school activities.

The role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education on Child Sexual Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy among secondary school learners

The introduction of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Zambian school curriculum has raised debate among stakeholders. Despite the Ministry of Education using Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a way of reducing various challenges faced by learners with regards to their sexuality education, the effectiveness and mode of implementing CSE is a source of concern. This study sought to explore the perceptions of learners and teachers on the role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in reducing child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy. The total number of 60 participants who included 40 secondary school learners and 20 secondary school teachers from two secondary schools in Kitwe District on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The findings revealed that 50% of the learners were of the view the CSE had failed its goal of reducing child sexual abuse. The study further indicated that 60% of the teachers and 50% of the learners agreed that CSE helped to prevent early sex and teenage pregnancies in learners. The study concluded that both teachers and learners were of the views that CSE increased awareness on child sexual abuse to learners. The study recommended the need by the Ministry of Education to promote guidance and counselling services in schools with emphasis on peer counselling and peer-led life skills education to address issues of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy as well as the need by teachers to implement CSE by integrating its content in currier subjects and not teaching it as standalone subject.

Integration of systematic screening for tuberculosis in outpatient departments of urban primary healthcare facilities in Zambia: a case study of Kitwe district

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent globally, killing about 1.5 million people annually, yet 3 million cases are missed every year. The World Health Organization recommends systematic screening of suspected active TB patients among those visiting the healthcare facilities. While many countries have scaled-up systematic screening of TB, there has been limited assessment of the extent of its integration into the health system. This study sought to explore factors that shape the integration of systematic screening of TB in outpatient departments of primary healthcare facilities in Kitwe district, Zambia.MethodsThis was a qualitative case study with health providers including district managers, TB focal point persons and laboratory personnel working in six purposively selected primary healthcare facilities. Data was collected through key informant (n = 8) and in-depth (n = 15) interviews. Data analysis was conducted using QDA Miner software and guided by Atun’s Integration framework.ResultsThe facilitators to integration of systematic screening for TB into out patient departments of primary health facilities included the perceived high burden TB, compatibility of the systematic screening for TB program with healthcare workers training and working schedules, stakeholder knowledge of each others interest and values, regular performance management and integrated outreach of TB screening services. Constraining factors to integration of systematic screening for TB into outpatient departments included complexity of screening for TB in children, unbalanced incentivization mechanisms, ownership and legitimacy of the TB screening program, negative health worker attitudes, social cultural misconceptions of TB and societal stigma as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionSystematic screening of TB is not fully integrated into the primary healthcare facilities in Zambia to capture all those suspected with active TB that make contact with the health system. Finding the missing TB cases will, therefore, require contextual adaptation of the systematic screening for TB program to local needs and capacities as well as strengthening the health system.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia

Background: Cervical Cancer is one such a disease that remains with high mortality unless prevented or detected early and managed. It is one of the most common cancers of the child bearing age between 20 and 45 years world over. It is rated as the second most prevalent cancer among women. There is high consensus among various scholars that high quality screening, effective treatment and routine follow-up care are cardinal in helping women. The main objective of the study was to identify the factors influencing cervical cancer screening in Kitwe District, Zambia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed that included the use of a researcher-administered questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to sample 210 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and chi-square test was used to determine associations among variables. Binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The age of the women enrolled in the study ranged from 20 to 59 years, with a mean age of 30.4 years (SD: 8.36). Majority (46.2%) of the women were aged between 25 to 34 years and the mean age reported for sexual debut among respondents was 19.7 (SD: 4.01) years ranging from 12 to 31 years at first sexual encounter. Almost all (99%) the women were Christians and 42.9% had attained secondary school education. Fifty nine (59%) of the respondents were married and 77.6% had children. Over three quarters (77.6%) of the respondents were knowledgeable on cervical cancer and screening, majority (61%) of the respondents demonstrated a more positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening, and the overall perception level among study respondents was more positive (71.9%). The findings of the present study indicated that the magnitude of cervical cancer screening was 44.8%. In the binary logistic regression analysis, older age (35 to 44 years: AOR = 10.91, 95% CI: 2.67 - 44.48, p = 0.001; 45 to 59 years: AOR = 10.28, 95% CI: 1.52 - 69.68, p = 0.017, respectively), and having a positive attitude (AOR = 67.5, 95% CI: 15.42 - 295.44, p Conclusion: The study has shown that despite women having adequate knowledge, positive attitudes and perceptions, the number of women who had been screened was still low. However, middle aged and older women, and positive attitudes were found to independently influence women to go for cervical cancer screening. Therefore, attempts should be made to reach women who rarely visit health care services, for example, through increasing health campaigns in partnership with other organizations in the area.

How Competent are Zambian ESL Learners in the use of Discourse Markers in English? Evidence from Selected Grade Twelve Pupils in Kitwe District

How Competent are Zambian ESL Learners in the use of Discourse Markers in English? Evidence from Selected Grade Twelve Pupils in Kitwe District

Mathematics Teacher Education Curriculum in Zambia: Lecturers’, Students’ and In-service Teachers’ Perspective

Quality teaching of classroom mathematics in schools begin with exposing student teachers to a quality teacher education curriculum during their teacher education programme. The rationale for this study was to analyse the mathematics teacher education curriculum by reflecting on lecturers’, students and in-service teachers’ perceptions. Mixed methods design particularly the convergent parallel design was used. Questionnaires were distributed to former university students who were teaching mathematics in Lusaka and Kitwe district of Zambia as well as final year student teachers who were on the programme and had done their school teaching experience. In addition, some teachers, lecturers of mathematics content and mathematics teaching methods were interviewed. The researcher used description and thematic analysis in analysing qualitative data and quantitative data was analysed through the use of the statistical package for social sciences version 20 where means and independent samples t-tests were used. The study key findings reviewed that the way teachers of mathematics were prepared for their professional classroom job was inappropriate as the curriculum they were exposed to during their teacher education programme was loosely linked to what the student teachers were expected to teach upon graduation in Zambian schools. This affected the way mathematics was taught in secondary schools. Besides, the mismatch in the two curricula led to teachers of mathematics with diplomas to divert to other teaching subjects when upgrading their studies to a degree level. Hence, it was recommended that the higher institutions of learning needed to consider the ministerial directive by reviewing the mathematics teacher education curriculum after thoroughly conducting a job analysis. It was also recommended that the Ministry of Education needed to reinforce the already existing continuous professional development to bridge the gap between the two curricula.

Investigation of groundwater contamination in relation to septic systems in Kitwe West Township, Kitwe, Zambia.

This study investigated the quality of groundwater with respect to septic systems in Kitwe West township located in the western part of Zambia's Kitwe district. The study area was selected because most households in the township use boreholes and septic systems as sources of drinking water and wastewater disposal facilities respectively. The study showed the presence of total coliforms in 90% of the boreholes while only 30% of the boreholes were contaminated with fecal coliforms rendering the water unsafe for drinking. The study revealed that there was no distinct relationship between distance from borehole to septic tank system and the quality of borehole water. It was however observed that for boreholes within a 15 m proximity to individual home-owned dump sites the level of fecal contamination increased as the distance from the boreholes to the dump sites decreased. The study has vividly shown that the location of boreholes and septic tank systems in the same plot of land exacerbated by the presence of solid waste dump sites in a residential plot that depends on groundwater is not advisable. This is because the safety of groundwater cannot be guaranteed even if technical specifications are followed for boreholes and septic tank systems.