Lusaka’s Public Toilets Need More Than a Clean-Up

Lusaka’s clean-up campaign has brought renewed attention to the state of the city’s streets, but the condition of public toilets in the Central Business District remains a concern.

While vendors have been moved to designated trading areas and efforts made to improve cleanliness, residents, traders and commuters also need access to clean, safe and functional toilets.

The question is whether increased funding for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services could help address the problem.

The WASH Forum reported that the allocation to the ministry responsible for water and sanitation was projected to fall to 1.06% of the national budget in 2026, down from 1.13% in 2025.

Poor sanitation is also a public-health concern, particularly amid the risk of cholera. Cleaning streets alone cannot replace reliable toilets, safe water and proper waste management.

Lusaka City Council could start by assessing existing public toilets, identifying urgent repairs and publishing a clear plan for improving facilities and maintaining them.