Proposed Educational Activities For University of Zambia Water Users Arising From An Enviromental Water Audit Of the Institution
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Date
2011-04-19
Authors
Chanda, Flaviuor Sisala
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Abstract
Water supply management and wastewater disposal is a widespread problem, which can
have significant impacts on an individual's daily life, health and the general
environment. This study explored the situation of water management and wastewater
disposal at the University of Zambia Great East Road Campus (UNZA-GER) located in
Lusaka, Zambia. The study used the theoretical model of hydrosocial cycle in order to
understand and explain the interconnected systems of UNZA-GER fresh or portable
water supply management and its wastewater disposal system. Fresh/ portable water
and wastewater are collectively referred to as water in this study.
The process of the research involved three main connected stages, with one stage
leading into the other. The first stage involved conducting an environmental water audit
at UNZA-GER using the theoretical concept of the hydrosocial cycle. In the second
stage, the findings of the study were presented and analysed. In the third and final stage
the analysed findings of the water audit were used as a basis for proposing
environmental education (EE) activities, which UNZA-GER Administration could
effect. This last stage incorporated a process called Environmental Action Learning
(EAL).
The study adopted a qualitative research design, although few quantitative aspects were
also utilized. Interviews were conducted and both non-structured and structured
questionnaires were used depending on the theme. Observations as well as document
review were also used as data collection techniques.
The study results indicated mat quite a significant amount of portable water, at the time
of this study, was being lost between the points of abstraction and the points of use
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especially in the old residences, with old defective fittings, thereby inflating the amount
of portable water consumed. The state of affairs was attributed to inadequate finances,
old water infrastructures and unsustainable values and attitudes of water users coupled
with increased student population and vandalism.
The concept of Environmental Action Learning (EAL) has been proposed in this study,
which involves an action orientation on the part of the various water users at UNZAGER
campus to solve the problem.
For sustainable environmental management of UNZA-GER water resource it is required
that the portable water flow is measured, the old corroded distribution galvanised iron
(GI) pipes are replaced with PVC pipes and the metal potable water storage tanks on
rooftops replaced with PVC tanks of much bigger capacity.
The dissertation also looked at wastewater management at UNZA-GER and it was
noted that there is no treatment of wastewater as it is discharged into the LWSC sewer
lines. However, there are numerous processes used to clean up wastewater depending
on the type and quantity of contaminants that UNZA-GER can benefit from.
Wastewater can be highly treated and reused as reclaimed water and some treatment
facilities are capable of producing useful by-products such as methane and organic
fertilisers from sewage sludge. Wastewater if not properly handled can have adverse
impacts such as odour and breeding of mosquitoes, responsible for the spread of
malaria
UNZA-GER should introduce Environmental Education in form of Environmental
Action Learning (EAL) among the various water users, particularly in the curricula of
students for improved and sustainable water management. For administrators, the
University stands to benefit greatly if it introduced the EAL which could be informal,
formal and non-formal. This suggestion would lead to making informed decisions and
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actions. The university would greatly cut down on the cost of water, chemicals and
energy if it introduced EAL. Through EAL, the university also needed to embark on
vigorous campaigns against vandalism and water wastage, coupled with measures to
protect the water facilities. The Rubber trees near water lines should also be replaced.
With these proposed measures in place, the university could significantly cut down on
portable water losses and the cost of providing it, thereby being able to manage its
water sustainably.
Description
Keywords
Water--Pollution , Enviromental Auditing , Water--Management