Evaluating household sanitation in flood-prone informal settlements: a case study from Chipangara, Beira (Mozambique)

Safely managed sanitation (SDG 6.2) remains a challenge in flood-prone peri-urban settlements, where environmental, infrastructural, and governance constraints intersect. This study examines household sanitation in Chipangara Ward, Beira (Mozambique), using surveys (n = 52), facility inspections, and stakeholder interviews. While previous studies focused on cities like Maputo, Beira’s flood-exposed informal settlements remain under-researched. Findings reveal that 78% of households rely on unlined pit latrines, 65% report seasonal overflow, and 61% have pits within 10 m of shallow wells. Barriers to upgrading include insecure tenure, high emptying costs, and poor drainage. Alternating twin-pit pour-flush systems emerged as the most acceptable option (62%), though uptake is constrained by limited technical capacity and weak institutional support. Although based on 2015–2016 data, cholera outbreaks and infrastructure failures reinforce policy relevance. We argue for phased investments in flood-resilient sanitation, paired with land tenure reform, co-planned drainage, and technical assistance to reduce fecal exposure and enhance resilience.