NGO WASH Forum Collaborates with WESNET Malawi to Strengthen WASH Governance
The Zambia NGO WASH Forum hosted a delegation from Malawi’s Water and Environment Sanitation Network (WESNET) from November 5th to 8th, 2024, in a groundbreaking exchange aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing best practices in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) governance.
Established in 2011, WESNET represents 102 member organizations and is a trailblazer in the WASH sector, credited with advocating for the creation of Malawi’s Ministry for Water and Sanitation.
According to WESNET Executive Director, Willies Mwandira, their success stems from an organized structure of technical working groups and decentralized chapters, ensuring impactful work at both national and sub-national levels.
Marlon Phiri, Chairperson of the Zambia NGO WASH Forum, commended WESNET’s achievements and expressed aspirations to adopt similar strategies in Zambia.
However, he stressed the challenges of securing sustainable funding for WASH initiatives, emphasizing the need for ring-fenced budgets to combat diseases like cholera and improve school sanitation facilities.
The exchange was part of the Water Voices United (WVU) Project, a four-year initiative co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid, and implemented by SNV in collaboration with the NGO WASH Forum.
The project aims to empower Zambian WASH Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enhance governance and realize the human right to water and sanitation.
This collaboration represents a step towards a sustainable future where access to clean water and sanitation is a reality for all.
This is in a statement issued by Bangwe Naviley, Communications Officer, Zambia NGO WASH Forum .
