“Committed to Safe Water for All Zambians” – Water Ministry
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Romas Kamanga, today officiated at the Technical Working Group Committee Meeting for the Water and Sanitation Sector, bringing together cooperating partners, civil society organisations, traditional leadership and senior government officials.
In his remarks, Eng. Kamanga expressed appreciation for the continued support and collaboration from cooperating partners and civil society organisations in advancing the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) agenda.
He paid special tribute to the Mbeza Royal Establishment, recognising the critical role traditional leaders play in community mobilisation, protection of water resources, promotion of hygiene practices and the safeguarding of water catchment areas.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the NGO WASH Forum for its consistent partnership in strengthening sector coordination and stakeholder engagement, noting that such collaboration remains essential to the effective implementation of WASH interventions across the country.
The meeting aims to review progress in the implementation of key programmes under water resources development and management, as well as water supply and sanitation. It also provides a platform for stakeholders to share updates on planned and ongoing interventions, align priorities and budgets, and enhance coordination to maximise impact while avoiding duplication of efforts.
Eng. Kamanga said Government continues to prioritise water resources management, water supply and sanitation as key drivers of socio-economic development and public health.
He noted that this commitment is reflected in ongoing infrastructure investments, policy reforms and strategic programmes being implemented nationwide in partnership with stakeholders and traditional authorities.
He acknowledged that, despite notable progress, challenges persist, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where access to safe water and sanitation services remains limited, and in urban centres facing infrastructure deficits and increasing demand.
He further cited climate variability, environmental degradation and encroachment on water resources as ongoing threats to national water security.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the need to strengthen partnerships with traditional authorities and all sector players to enhance community ownership, sustainability, transparency and accountability in service delivery.
He encouraged participants to engage constructively, share experiences and identify practical solutions to accelerate progress towards universal access to safe water and sanitation for all Zambians.
Eng. Kamanga reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve service delivery and ensure the sustainable management of Zambia’s water resources.
