The important relationship between landlords and tenants in improving sanitation – the case of Keko Machungwa, 2013.
Stella Stephen, et al.
In the informal settlements of Tanzania, particularly in Dar es Salaam, traditional pit latrines are commonly used for sanitation purposes. Many of these are poorly designed and constructed, and lack the necessary maintenance and formal arrangements for waste disposal. This is the case in Keko Machungwa, which is one of the informal settlements in Miburani ward, located in Temeke municipality. The settlement has a population of 15,644, distributed across 5,180 households. The relationship between landlords and tenants was highlighted by Keko Machungwa community members as a critical challenge in improving sanitation standards.
This is because they are responsible for the decision-making and investment around the choice and improvement of sanitation solutions, and most houses in Tanzanian informal settlements are owned by landlords. However, despite their responsibility in this area, most landlords do not pay much attention to the improvement and construction of good latrines within the houses they own. The Tanzania Urban Poor Federation (TUPF) and Centre for Community Initiatives) have been exploring ways of improving the relationship between landlords and tenants, with a view to improving sanitation in informal settlements.
