Private emptiers' perspectives on the regulation of faecal sludge emptying services in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Using a two-round Delphi study, 15 faecal sludge emptiers from 11 cities in Sub-Saharan Africa have expressed views on the regulation of faecal sludge emptying services. Their responses identify the regulatory mechanisms in place where they operate, their opinions of these mechanisms, and prioritisation of those considered most useful to enable safe emptying services for all urban residents. All respondents (100%) support regulation, with 80% finding the regulation they encounter useful. However, all also state that regulatory mechanisms should extend beyond only rules and sanctions, to incorporate support, incentives and pro-poor mechanisms. This study is the first to provide a first-hand account of Sub-Saharan African private emptiers' willingness to accept clear regulation. In that regard, regulation should be flexible and adapted to the context in order to facilitate fair competition, safe and satisfactory service for customers and workers alike, and to alleviate the public and environmental health risks. HIGHLIGHTS This research investigates emptiers’ perspectives on the regulation of their services in Sub-Saharan Africa.; Emptiers are keen to be regulated, providing regulation is flexible, adapted to the context and enforced on all.; This study highlights the importance of support and incentive mechanisms and of pro-poor measures for safe emptying services to be both regulated effectively and accessible to all.;

Keywords

• enabling environment
• onsite sanitation
• private sector participation
• pro-poor measures
• sanitation chain
• urban