The University of Zambia (UNZA) is grappling with a worsening sanitation crisis, with both students and the University of Zambia Student Union (UNZASU) raising alarm over blocked sewer pipes and deteriorating water systems across campus.
UNZASU President Mwanto Kabaso said the institution is facing serious challenges caused by sewer blockages, stressing that the system was designed for a smaller population but is now overwhelmed by the growing student numbers.
Speaking in a message posted on his TikTok page, Kabaso revealed that a technical team from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation recently visited the university to assess the situation.
“The ministry sent a technical team to come and assess the sewer challenges here at UNZA,” he said.
He further said that about K170,000,000 is needed in order to work on the maintenance challenges at UNZA.
Kabaso expressed concern over the use of student maintenance fees, arguing that learners deserve better services.
He urged authorities to act quickly, warning that poor sanitation threatens both health and the learning environment.
Meanwhile, students have voiced frustration over the crisis, saying conditions have deteriorated significantly in hostels and surrounding areas.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, Dalisto Makonde, a campus resident said, “You can see sewerage running everywhere, at this rate, it’s no longer even safe to use tap water, and this is making it costly for us to buy water all the time.”
Makonde added that despite assurances from the student union, the issue was not resolved during the holiday period, leaving some hostels without functional taps and toilets.
“In some cases, students are forced to share a single working toilet among three hostels,” he said.
The sanitation crisis has become one of the most pressing challenges at UNZA, with students and union leaders demanding urgent intervention to restore safe and functional facilities.