WaterAid Zambia Urges Greater Investment in WASH Services
WaterAid Zambia has called for urgent investment in sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to address critical deficits affecting millions across the country.
Country Director Yankho Mataya revealed that 32% of Zambian households lack basic water access, 64% lack basic sanitation, and 82% lack basic hygiene facilities, while 13% of healthcare centres operate without water services.
She stressed the need for coordinated action at community, institutional, and subnational levels, noting that financing is vital for long-term sustainability.
The call was made during the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WaterAid Zambia, the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
“We have reached over three million people in more than 40 years of work in Zambia and remain committed to strengthening institutions and capacity development. Ensuring no one is left behind, particularly women and children, is at the heart of our mission,” Mataya said.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Engineer Romas Kamanga, hailed the MoU as a milestone in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 and Zambia’s Vision 2030.
He emphasised that clean water and sanitation underpin public health, economic growth, and human dignity, pledging government support for innovative technologies, data-driven decision-making, and strengthened sector performance.
Representing the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Director for Rural Development Dr Gabriel Pollen and Engineer Fanizani Phiri welcomed the collaboration, noting it would enhance the capacity of local authorities to deliver rural water and sanitation services effectively.
“This memorandum will produce tangible results as we build bridges, share knowledge, and transform rural communities,” Phiri said, calling for inclusive, innovative approaches to ensure lasting positive change.
The Zambia NGO WASH Forum described the partnership as a model of unity between government, civil society, and development partners working towards a common goal.
