Determining potential health risks to residents from water sourced in Maloni compound of Livingstone district in Zambia.
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Date
2023
Authors
Mukwasa, Kamunga
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study is an investigation into the presence of bacteria from water sourced in Maloni Compound of Livingstone District in Zambia. The basic research objective of the empirical study was to investigate the presences of bacteria in water sourced from Maloni Compound of Livingstone District. Furthermore, to examine the potential health risks to the residents arising from the water sourced in Maloni Compound. A mixed research strategy was adopted that made use of questionnaire, interviews guide, observation and standard field sampling sample bottles to collect empirical data. The findings revealed that water in Maloni compound was sourced from submissive boreholes, hand pump fitted boreholes and shallow wells. The study further revealed that residents of Maloni Compound used on site sanitation system namely pit latrine and septic tanks. It also revealed that water sourced from Maloni Compound had the presence of bacteria with relatively high total coliform and faecal coliform contamination, the fact that may have compromised the public health status of the residents of Maloni Compound. The study recommended for the following:
i. There is need for collaboration of various stakeholders up to the consumer level during the planning and implementation stage of urban and peri urban areas, to ensure that the allocation of residential plots is done simultaneously with the provision of necessary services such as water and sewerage reticulation systems.
ii. There is need for SWASCO to directly provide water to existing residents of Maloni and to facilitate decommissioning of all contaminated water sources.
iii. There is need for urban Planners and SWASCO to encourage households to also employ alternative methods in the water sector such as rain water that can be stored and used for flushing toilets.
iv. There is need to formulate policies in water and sanitation, planning and in infrastructure design that will encourage research and development of innovations and technologies that will apply to our local scenario.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Public Health.