In urban areas in Angola estimates from 2008 suggest that 86 % of the population have access to improved sanitation, 13 % to unimproved and that only 1 % defecate in the open. In rural areas only 18 % of the population were using improved sanitation, 29% had unimproved and 53 % had to defecate in the open (WHO and UNICEF 2010).
Diarrhoeal diseases are widespread in Angola, with infection rates the highest in the world. Cholera is a particular danger with serious outbreaks occurring throughout the country in the last few years.
Within the Kunene basin, the only wastewater infrastructure is in the uppermost reaches of the catchment in Huambo, with a sewer network serving the centre of the city. The limited availability of piped water here however has an impact on the operation of the sewer. A mix of septic tanks and pit latrines serves the majority of the urban population although many remain without access to sanitation.
None of the other towns, in the basin, such as Lubango or Matala, have sewer systems or wastewater treatment facilities. It is quite likely that a number of domestic properties and all larger commercial and administrative buildings have septic tanks whereas the vast majority of the population might still rely on simple pit latrines.
In rural areas and in smaller villages Improved Sanitation is rare.
Within the Kunene Transboundary Water Supply Project (KTWSP) and the implementation of the Kunene Province Water Master Plan, Phase 2, sewer networks and the construction of affordable wastewater treatment facilities are planned in all towns and villages of the scheme.
Improved sanitation facilities in rural area.
Source: Tump 2007
( click to enlarge )
