Assessment of faecal sludge management in urban slum areas: a case study of Vingunguti ward, Dar es Salaam

This study was carried out with the intention of exploring and suggesting sustainable strategies for faecal sludge management (FSM) in Urban Slum Area. To effect this, FS substrate, surface and groundwater were collected for laboratory analyses. Questionnaire administration, focus group discussion and field observation were done to assess FSM practices. The WHO (2006) Guideline for safe excreta use and epidemiological study were used to qualitatively estimate FSM risk.

High counts pathogens including; Helminth eggs, Faecal and Total coliforms were identified in the septic tanks, pit latrines, surface water (effluent from WSPs. runoff from dwelling houses and abattoir). The household survey results shows that all of the houses have some form of toilet technologies but 79.1% are in poor condition, 6.0% fair and only 14.9% good with hand washing facilities. Key problem for sustainable FSM include; Weak enforcement of public health bye-laws and policy. The healthcare data show increase in excreta diseases and assessment result also show probability of infection.

In conclusions; the implementation of sanitation policy that encompasses the principles of ISM and the ten ranked sustainable risk reduction strategies recommended are highly needed in Vingunguti Ward so that FS can be sustainably managed.