Nzovu Urges Climate Adaptation to Safeguard Zambia’s Water and Sanitation Systems
Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Engineer Collins Nzovu, has stressed the urgent need for climate adaptation measures to strengthen resilience in Zambia’s water and sanitation sector.
Speaking at a side event during the recently concluded National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo in Lusaka, Mr Nzovu described the platform as crucial for sharing lessons and practical solutions, including climate-resilient toilets and urban water systems.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Engineer Romas Kamanga, Mr Nzovu said water and sanitation had historically been neglected in climate discussions, despite climate change being fundamentally a water crisis.
He cited prolonged droughts, flash floods and erratic rainfall as threats to water sources and sanitation infrastructure, particularly affecting Zambia’s most vulnerable communities.
“Zambia is already experiencing severe water stress during extended dry spells, while floods have damaged sanitation systems in several areas. These are not future risks – they are our current realities,” he noted.
The minister reiterated Zambia’s commitment to placing water and sanitation at the centre of adaptation and development. He outlined priorities set out in the National Adaptation Plan 2023, including strengthening water security in drought-prone areas, advancing sustainable sanitation, upgrading rural water infrastructure, and integrating climate adaptation training across sectors such as education and health.
He further called for stronger governance, accountability and equity to ensure no one is left behind, particularly women, children and people with disabilities. Aligning Zambia’s efforts with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Africa Water Investment Programme, and Sustainable Development Goal 6, he urged quicker access to climate finance to scale up adaptation.
Meanwhile, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Coordinator, Ms Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba, underscored the importance of pairing climate action with duty bearer accountability and community capacity building. She recounted training Members of Parliament from low-rainfall ecological zones on climate adaptation for WASH.
Ms Mumba also called for greater investment in climate-smart, community-led water infrastructure, promotion of drought-tolerant agriculture, and enhanced local adaptation governance.
She paid tribute to the European Union through the Water Voices United Project, co-funded by the EU and Danish People’s Aid and spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum, for enabling civil society participation at the Expo.
“This initiative is about more than change; it is about ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all,” she said.
The statement was issued by Zambia NGO WASH Forum Communications Officer, Bangwe Naviley.
