New project: improving sanitation in African megacities

The study will also address the economical and sociological key-factors for a successful implementation of sustainable sanitation. In addition, the hydrological effects of sanitation (water quantity and quality) in of both surface water and groundwater will be examined.

The 5-year project called “Integrated approaches and strategies to address the Sanitation Crisis in Unsewered Slum Areas in African mega-cities” has been financed by the Dutch Ministry for International Development and will be carried out in partnership with Makerere University and the Kampala City Council.

The slum area known as Bwaise III Parish in the city of Kampala, Uganda, has been chosen as the study area. The population in Kampala city is estimated at 1.2 million with an annual average growth rate of 3.8% (UBOS, 2002). The informal peri-urban settlements in the city are located in valleys and wetlands with a high water table, are predominantly inhabited by the urban poor and have inadequate basic services such as water supply and sanitation (excreta, solid waste, sullage and storm water management). In the informal settlements like Bwaise III Parish, where a great majority of the population uses shallow groundwater, water quality has become a widespread concern.

Studies suggest a link between the incidence of cholera, acute diarrhea and use of contaminated protected springs. In addition, due to poor sanitation, disease outbreaks (malaria, cholera, typhoid, etc) are prevalent, especially during rainy seasons as a result of flooding. Shallow groundwater polluted with high concentrations of nutrients (N&P) and high numbers of coliforms is a potential major environmental problem.

Therefore, the improvement of water and sanitation with simple but effective technologies will largely reduce the incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases, and will prevent the deterioration of surface water resources.