Assessment of fecal sludge management in informal settlement of Kigali: a case study of Nyarugenge district

Abstract

The study assessed the factors influencing fecal sludge management in Informal settlements of Nyarugenge District in Kigali Rwanda. The objectives of the research were to evaluate and analyze the current management of fecal sludge, assess factors that influence the management practices with regard to the decentralized structure of local government and the legal framework. The study also proposed strategies to improve and ensure sustainable fecal sludge management in Kigali Rwanda. A descriptive research method was used where a target population of 265 respondents of which250 were households selected within informal settlements, 10 Local authorities and 5 pit emptiers.The target population was operating in the five selected sectors of Nyarugenge namely Gitega,Kimisagara, Muhima, Nyakabanda and Rwezamenyo. The assessment showed that fecal sludge management in informal settlements of Kigali is poor and unsustainable as it does not guarantee a proper and conducive management of fecal waste. This is explained by the use of pit latrines by 91.2% of the population and only about 24.4% of fecal waste is emptied by mechanical emptiers and transported to a designated dumping site. In addition, the fecal sludge management value chain is not well designed or monitored to ensure sustainable management, pit emptying is not coordinated, transportation not monitored, emptying service tariffs expensive, not regulated and rates are negotiated between the customer and pit emptier and fecal sludge is not safely managed since buried in pits or disposed without treatment in the dumping site. The study noted also poor institutional involvement and lack of a strong legal and regulatory framework. It was finally noted that land availability and residents’ affordability influence more fecal sludge management than others factors at 69.4% and 58% respectively. The study therefore proposed a rapid intervention for a sustainable fecal sludge management and Strategies were recommended to protect the environment and citizens. Strategies recommended for improvement include a strong and clear legislation with specific institutional framework on fecal sludge management, development of a City-wide inclusive sanitation plan together with a financing mechanism targeting the improvement of FSM, development of technical standards for on-site sanitation targeting the entire sanitation value chain, regulated FSM services, mobilize funds for the construction of fecal sludge treatment well located within Kigali. Other recommendations include the development of FSM communication channels and strong monitoring mechanisms to ensure safely managed services, capacity and skill building for FSM at all levels and strengthening institutions and clearly define their roles and responsibilities with regard to fecal sludge management