Stakeholders Lived Experiences of the Pit Emptying Services in George Compound in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to explore the stakeholders’ views about the implementation of sanitation programmes in George Compound of Lusaka, Zambia. The study was guided by a specific objective which sought to explore stakeholders lived experiences of Pit Emptying Services in Lusaka’s Peri-Urban areas. The researcher adopted the social constructivist ontology, knowledge was co-constructed with participants through an interpretive phenomenological approach, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse in-depth and key informant interviews with beneficiaries, local committees, regulatory bodies, and the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company. The sample was selected purposively and determined using data saturation, ensuring rich, contextual insights from relevant stakeholders. The study revealed that most of the pity emptiers faced operational challenges including lack of licenses, limited personal protective equipment, and inadequate adherence to safety standards and non-compliance with vaccination among employees were also identified. Novel findings include the identification of the gendered impact of sanitation challenges, the interactions between formal and informal service providers, and the role of mindset, education, and cultural practices in shaping compliance and service uptake. The researcher’s application of systems theory highlighted the interdependence of institutions, service providers, and communities, demonstrating that weaknesses in any component can compromise the sanitation system. The systems lens also emphasized that sustainable outcomes require integration of infrastructure, regulation, household participation, and community engagement. The study has theoretical, methodological, policy, practice, and knowledge implications. Theoretically, it corroborates systems theory by illustrating the interrelated roles of stakeholders in sustainable sanitation. Methodologically, it demonstrates the value of interpretive phenomenology in capturing lived experiences and operational nuances. For policy, the study emphasizes integrated, multi-stakeholder interventions informed by practical experiences. Practically, it highlights the need for community sensitization and engagement to ensure sustainability of sanitation innovations. Knowledge-wise, the study provides contextual evidence specific to George Compound, documenting challenges, innovations, and operational insights that can inform similar peri-urban settings. In conclusion, addressing sanitation challenges in peri-urban Lusaka requires a holistic, systems-oriented approach that integrates infrastructure, regulation, education, cultural socialization, and community participation to ensure equitable, sustainable, and effective on-site sanitation services.