The Carpenters and Bricklayers Association has warned […]

The Carpenters and Bricklayers Association has warned that unregulated septic tanks springing up in various shanty compounds across urban areas pose a major health challenge.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, Association Chief Administrator Samson Mwale observed that with the increase of unstructured housing, many are building septic tanks without regard for spacing and health implications.

He expressed sheer disappointment with the Lusaka City Council for failing to deal with the matter despite some reports of heavy leakages across the city. “We are disappointed with both LCC and the Ministry of Health; we expected them to swing into action and deal with the matter amicably and advise the city how these things should be done.”

Mwale added that the major challenge lies in some sections of society selling part of their small and extended land, which clearly leads to some building of septic tanks and other facilities with minimal consideration for professional work.

 “We are promoting infectious diseases that may come as a result, and we are just lucky because the cholera didn’t erupt, but the central government must swing into action and deal with the matter and educate our landlords.”

 He also called on the citizenry to ensure that the setup sets tanks in a way that does not jeopardize health.

Article Samuel Mutale