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The US Embassy in Zambia through Empowerment Initiative for Rural Women and Adolescents -EIRWA- has addressed a historical Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH challenge at Mpanshya Mission Main Market in Rufunsa District, Lusaka Province.

EIRWA Founder Ireen Chikatula said this was possible after the Embassy released 14, 300 US Dollars under her organisation’s ‘WASH, Hygiene Up’ Project.

Ms Chikatula said the project which started in October 2023 will close in September 2024.

She said the project involves sinking a borehole, installation of an overhead tank and building an ablution block for traders at the Market.

“Mpanshya Mission Main Market has existed for decades without access to adequate improved sanitation facilities and water. Through EIRWA’s interaction with the Mpanshya Community, a decision was arrived at to seek for support for setting up sanitary facilities for the market and enhance access to clean water. Once we agreed on the idea of setting up ablutions for the Market after agreeing that there was a challenge, we pitched the idea to the US Embassy in Zambia that responded positively,” she said. 

Ms Chikatula said the US Embassy support has helped EIRWA to provide access to clean water and accord dignity to women who spend the whole day at the market but need access to privacy especially during times of menstruation. 

“The project started in October 2023 and is earmarked for closure in September 2024. The total amount of support from the US Embassy to EIRWA is 14 300 US Dollars covering all costs related to the project from launch to completion then the facilities will be handed over to the Mpanshya Market Committee and the community in general. This is a community project of which EIRWA is hoping that Mpanshya society will appreciate the difference it will make in their lives looking at the challenges they faced,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Mpanshya Mission Main Market Committee Chairperson Albert Mulilanduba said the project will end water and sanitation challenges as traders rely on one pitlatrine.

“The project is a welcome move because the Market faced a challenge of water. The coming of ‘WASH, Hygiene Up’ will improve the quality of lives around the Market community. The Market is relying on a single pit latrine which is not recommended for hygiene purposes,” he said. 
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