Assessment of the Status and Characteristics of Faecal Sludge Management in populated unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

This study evaluates faecal sludge management in densely populated informal settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using suitable standardized methods. The data indicates that latrines are built with less emphasis on quality compared to the construction of houses, resulting in the use of inferior materials and technology. Various techniques are employed for emptying pits, with vacuum trucks and manual pit emptying being the predominant methods. However, lack of access to households poses a significant obstacle to vacuum truck emptying, as 39.67% cannot be reached by transportation means. The pit emptying industry faces high costs and restricted technological accessibility. Semi-manual and semi-mechanized technology innovations for hygiene emptying in less accessible dwellings have not gained sufficient appeal among inhabitants in densely crowded unplanned settlements. DAWASA owns treatment plants for faecal sludge treatment, but these are located far away, increasing transportation expenses. Implementing decentralized faecal sludge treatment plants appears to be a more effective approach. The collection and handling of faecal sludge now overlook the potential for resource recovery and re-use, which might greatly enhance the sustainability of faecal sludge management. Two government ministries have partially incorporated the faecal sludge management or sanitation sector into their health and water policies and programs, but the separation of responsibility has hindered its growth and lack of emphasis on information diffusion in urban areas.