M.Sc in Sanitation

University of Zambia

University of Zambia School of Engineering in collaboration with IHE Delft Institute of Water Education with support from Gates Foundation has introduced a Master of Science in Sanitation program in 2021.

Worldwide, there has been realization that sanitation coverage ending at containment would not effectively result in the required results. The Government of Zambia has been implementing several sanitation initiatives. In the recent past, the government launched the Urban Sanitation Strategy to foster implementation of the pronouncements of the other initiatives on sanitation including the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (NUWSSP 2011 – 2030). The government has also launched the Framework for provision and regulation of Urban Onsite Sanitation (OSS) and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) in Zambia. Number of Sanitation Master plans for the Cities have been launched i.e Lusaka Sanitation Master Plan. However, there has been no initiative on capacity buildi//ng in the subsector on aspects of onsite sanitation especially at master’s level. The main thrust of most programs on sanitation is on centralized systems. Despite that a bigger the proportion of the population relies on onsite sanitation facilities which require sound faecal sludge management systems. With most governments trying to address aspects of OSS and FSM, capacity building in this area is cardinal. This program will bridge this gap in capacity in OSS and FSM at both national and regional level thereby contributing to national and regional economic growth.

As stated, for Zambia, a number of initiatives are under implementation. Implementation is by the government, the private sector and institutions of learning and research. Graduates are therefore expected to be absorbed in by these institutions Water Utilities, Government Ministries, NGOs and the private sector. This most likely applies to other countries in the region.

Curriculum

• Sanitation Systems and Services
• Epidemiology and Public Health
• Behavior Change and Advocacy
• Sanitation Technology and Project Management
• Sanitation Governance and Financing
• Leadership and WASH in Emergencies
• Advanced Research Methods and Basic Laboratory Training
• Thesis Work