Investigating water security and climate vulnerability in urban informal settlements: a case of Kanyama township, Lusaka, Zambia

Climate change has profound implications for water security, sanitation, and hygiene in Zambia, particularly in vulnerable peri-urban settlements like Kanyama in Lusaka. Rapid population growth, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and inadequate infrastructure intersect with climate-induced hazards – such as recurrent flooding – to exacerbate water scarcity and public health risks. Although the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company treats and distributes water exploiting both surface (Kafue River) and groundwater, Kanyama’s per capita access remains critically low due to system inefficiencies and distribution losses. Infrastructure deficiencies lead to frequent leakages and contamination, compromising water quality before it reaches consumers. Poor drainage and sewage systems further increase exposure to waterborne diseases during extreme weather events. These dynamics underscore the need for rigorous chemical and microbiological monitoring to trace contamination sources along the supply chain. This study critically examines water insecurity and climate vulnerability in Kanyama, emphasizing the structural and environmental determinants of public health risk. This was a mixed-method approach involving 100 residents of Kanyama township aged between 15 and 49 years. Data were collected using both questionnaires containing both open and closed-ended questions and interviews. Data were analyzed using IBM^® SPSS^® (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software and Microsoft Excel, and presented in tables and graphs, with percentages and frequencies. Results showed Kanyama’s critical dependence on municipal water, with pronounced vulnerabilities due to the lack of alternative sources, intermittent supply, and sporadic contamination. These water security issues are compounded by climate change, rapid urban population growth, substandard infrastructure, and ineffective water governance. While hygiene practices among residents are relatively acceptable, sanitation remains a major concern, as many households rely on shared facilities and store water unsafely. Recurrent flooding, intensified by climate variability, overwhelms inadequate sewer systems and leads to water source contamination, heightening the risk of diarrheal diseases. Despite these risks, the community displays strong awareness of climate-related health impacts, indicating openness to adaptive health strategies. A multi-sectoral approach encompassing water infrastructure improvements, sanitation expansion, and climate-resilient systems is vital for mitigating these public health threats. Integrating public health education with infrastructural upgrades can foster sustainable health behaviours and improve environmental health outcomes in peri-urban populations like those in Kanyama.