An Investigation into the challenges faced by the Lusaka City Council in the provision of Sanitation Services at Soweto Market

Abstract

Sanitation service delivery in high-density urban markets remains a major challenge for local authorities in Zambia, posing serious risks to public health, environmental safety, and economic activity. Despite the statutory mandate of the Lusaka City Council (LCC), sanitation conditions at Soweto Market one of the largest and busiest trading centres in Lusaka remain poor, with recurring outbreaks of waste accumulation, inadequate sanitation facilities, and blocked drainage systems. This study investigated the challenges faced by the Lusaka City Council in the provision of sanitation services at Soweto Market. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the current state of sanitation services, to identify the institutional, financial, and infrastructural challenges affecting service delivery, and to assess the effectiveness of existing sanitation strategies while exploring possible interventions for improvement. A qualitative research design was employed, involving 72 participants selected through purposive and snowball sampling, including LCC officials, sanitation workers, traders, customers, market managers, and representatives of non-governmental organisations. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observation, and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that sanitation services at Soweto Market are inadequate, characterised by irregular waste collection, insufficient and poorly maintained public toilets, and deteriorated drainage infrastructure. These challenges are largely attributed to institutional inefficiencies within the Council, inadequate funding, weak coordination mechanisms, and poor hygiene practices among some market users. The study concludes that improving sanitation at Soweto Market requires strengthened institutional coordination within LCC, sustainable financing mechanisms, and increased stakeholder engagement. The study recommends the adoption of participatory governance approaches, exploration of public–private partnerships, and targeted investment in critical sanitation infrastructure, particularly drainage systems and communal toilets.

Keywords: Sanitation, Lusaka City Council, Soweto Market, Urban Governance, Public Health, Waste Management.