Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary, Engineer Romas Kamanga, has thanked the Segal Family Foundation for supporting Africa Access Water in hosting a Water Economy Dialogue.
The event highlighted collective efforts towards advancing the water sector.
Mr. Kamanga stated that his Ministry is responsible for developing water resources and managing water services.
He commended Africa Access Water for organizing the event, which aligns with their mandate and objectives of fostering a sustainable and inclusive water economy in Zambia.
He emphasized the importance of effective implementation and accountability of the Water Investment Program 2030, recalling that President Hakainde Hichilema declared the program during the African Union summit in 2022.
The program aims to mobilize $5.7 billion by 2030 through various means, including official development assistance, public-private partnerships, and international financing initiatives.
Mr. Kamanga highlighted the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in mobilizing resources and ensuring effective program implementation.
He acknowledged their contributions to delivering much-needed services and addressing the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated water management strategies, especially in response to the drought declared as a national disaster by the President.
He commended Africa Access Water for their resilience during the drought, particularly their solar-powered water systems project in Kafue District, which has been instrumental in supporting food security and improving livelihoods.
The project currently irrigates over 20 acres, directly advancing the Zambia Water Investment Program.
The PS said this in a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Howard Mpamba, Acting Director at the Department of Water Resources Development, during a Water Economy Dialogue organized by Africa Access Water in Lusaka.
Earlier, Africa Access Water CEO Rodney Katongo explained that Africa Access Water is driven by the purpose of equipping rural communities with solar-powered water infrastructure to promote productive use, food security, increased income, and improved livelihoods.
Mr. Katongo highlighted the organization’s work in Zambia, where they have seven operational sites using solar-powered water infrastructure.
He said the sites provide reliable and sustainable solutions, enabling communities to irrigate their fields, increase agricultural output, and secure food for their families.
He noted that more than 75% of Zambia’s population depends on rain-fed agriculture, which contributes only 5.8% to GDP, and emphasized the need for more productive use of water to create rural economies.
He acknowledged the contributions of various partners, including village Headwoman Shamanjanji, who has been instrumental in their projects.
Mr. Katongo shared the impact of their work, including providing clean drinking water to 7,500 people, supporting 510 women and households to become food secure, and creating jobs through their projects.
He also mentioned the importance of integrated water systems that support irrigation, animal watering, and clean drinking water.
He highlighted the economic benefits of their projects, such as generating a combined annual income of $180,000 and creating permanent, temporary, and seasonal jobs.
He expressed gratitude to their partners, including TEVEL and the Segal Family Foundation, for their support.
Mr. Katongo emphasized the goals of the CSO Water Dialogue, which include highlighting the economic value of water, promoting equitable water use, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and advancing innovative policies and practices.
This is contained in a statement issued by Africa Access Water Communications Officer Temwa Gondwe.
