Improving on-plot sanitation management in low-income settlements of cities of developing countries: case study from Maputo, Mozambique

Whereas water service coverage in urban areas of developing countries was estimated at 94% of the urban population in 2011, coverage for sanitation services was much lower, estimated at 74%. This paper reports on the sanitation situation in Maputo’s low-income settlements, and highlights the important role played by non-state actors in providing solid waste management (SWM) and faecal sludge management (FSM) services to most residents of Maputo’s low-income settlements. Data were collected in 2011, through analysis of policy/project documents, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and observations in three neighbourhoods. While SWM services in Maputo have tremendously improved, there are huge service gaps in emptying, transporting and disposing of faecal sludge from pit-latrines, the most dominant sanitation facility in Maputo. There is need to create a conducive environment for more effective engagement with non-state actors so as to scale up delivery of FSM services. Lessons from SWM can be adapted for FSM in Maputo and cities of other developing countries.