The effects of erratic water supply in Squatter Settlements (Case study of Chipata Compound in Lusaka)

Abstract

Zambia is bestowed with abundant water resources but the majority of her people do not have access to adequate and clean water. Urban areas, particularly the squatter settlements, face a number of problems resulting from inadequate water supply. These problems are worsened by high levels of urbanization, rapid growth of population, an increase in agricultural production, an increase in the number of industries and unequal distribution of water. With the increased levels of urbanization and rapid growth of population, expansion of the already existing squatter settlements and emergence of other squatter settlements should be expected. Erratic water supply is looked at as the cause of some forms of environmental degradation and the indirect consumer of women's time as they spend most of their time fetching for water. In addition, the occurrence of water borne diseases and accidents among children are attributed to erratic water supply. As such effects of erratic water supply must be identified in order to come up with solutions which would save our environment and human life. The paper has come up with recommendations which would help to minimize the impact of erratic water supply to the environment, and therefore, to improve the well being of the squatter population.