Makululu, Kabwe Celebrates Milestone in Sanitation and Water Access
In a significant commissioning ceremony held on September 21, 2023, in Makululu, Kabwe, a crucial milestone was achieved in the pursuit of enhanced sanitation and water accessibility. Habitat for Humanity Zambia, in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), introduced 15 newly constructed toilets, ushering in optimism and progress for the residents of this informal settlement.
Mr. Buumba Siamalube, the German Embassy Desk Officer for Development Cooperation, conveyed his enthusiasm for participating in this momentous event, underscoring the enduring alliance between Germany and Zambia, dating back to Zambia’s independence in 1964. He emphasized the paramount importance of fortifying democracy, the rule of law, and universal human rights, principles that form the foundation of the German-Zambian relationship.
He also shed light on the German Embassy’s pivotal role in coordinating development initiatives in collaboration with agencies such as GIZ, BORDA, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Furthermore, Mr. Siamalube commended the BMZ’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Zambia, with a particular focus on their joint Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project. He acknowledged the critical issue of insufficient access to clean water and sanitation in Zambia and expressed confidence in Zambia’s economic growth and development under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. Concluding his speech, Mr. Siamalube reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering commitment to supporting Zambia’s national development.
Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, stressed the profound significance of attaining Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. The minister elucidated the pivotal role of sanitation in preserving human health and fostering economic growth, drawing attention to the well-documented link between inadequate sanitation and diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Hon. Mposha lauded the Zambian government’s steadfast dedication to delivering clean water and sanitation services to its citizens and cited tangible evidence in the form of increased budget allocations and external financing for the water and sanitation sector.
Additionally, he acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Habitat for Humanity Zambia towards enhancing access to clean water and sanitation.
At the same event the Kabwe Mayor, His Worship, Mr. Patrick Chishala, emphasized the significance of access to clean water and sanitation, highlighting their recognition as fundamental human rights by both the United Nations and Zambia’s Constitution.
Meanwhile, He underscored the challenges confronted by residents of Makululu due to inadequate sanitation facilities and assured the public of the unwavering commitment of President Hakainde Hichilema’s government to addressing water and sanitation issues.
He also made mention of various government initiatives and increased budget allocations aimed at bolstering the water and sanitation sector. In closing, the mayor commended Habitat for Humanity Zambia for its commendable efforts in supporting the residents of Makululu, thus contributing significantly to improved health and well-being in the community.
