*OVER 25 ZAMBIAN MPS TRAINED IN CLIMATE ADAPTATION FOR WASH BY NGO WASH FORUM*
Lusaka, Tuesday (December 10, 2024)
MEDIA STATEMENT
At least 25 Members of Parliament have been trained by Zambia NGO WASH Forum on climate adaptation strategies for WASH.
Zambia NGO WASH Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe Mumba said the two day exercise in Lusaka was made possible through the Water Voices United, a transformative four-year project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum.
“This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and synergies among WASH Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia. By fostering the CSOs role in WASH governance, the project supports the Zambian Government’s efforts towards the progressive realization of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. Together, we are not just aiming for change; we’re ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all,” she said.
Ms Mumba urged participants to reflect on the critical link between water, sanitation, hygiene, and community resilience in the face of climate change.
She emphasised the need to shift from reactive measures to proactive, climate-resilient WASH solutions, which required a paradigm shift and a move away from over-reliance on donor funding.
She stressed the importance of prioritising WASH in national and local budgets, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Ms Mumba highlighted that resilient communities are engaged communities and called for empowering communities to take ownership of their WASH systems.
“This includes promoting local knowledge, strengthening community-based monitoring, and ensuring inclusive participation in decision-making processes,” she said.
Ms Mumba advocated for investing in nature-based solutions, such as protecting and restoring wetlands, forests, and watersheds, which serve as the first line of defence against climate-related hazards.
She outlined a multifaceted approach to achieving long-lasting change, with immediate actions including comprehensive vulnerability assessments, integrating climate risks into planning and implementation, and public awareness campaigns.
She suggested investing in the medium term in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting water-efficient technologies and practices, encouraging rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and efficient irrigation techniques, and strengthening early warning systems.
Ms Mumba also emphasised the importance of empowering children as agents of change, integrating climate change and WASH education into school curricula, and challenging gender and social biases to ensure equitable access to WASH services.
She mentioned the ongoing review of constituency development guidelines and advocated for increased allocation of funds towards climate-resilient WASH initiatives.
In a powerful call to action, Ms. Mumba insisted on accountability as a cornerstone of successful WASH initiatives, urging everyone to hold themselves and each other responsible for their commitments, monitor progress, track investments, and ensure transparency in all WASH-related projects.
She expressed confidence that, by working together with a shared vision and commitment, they could achieve a Zambia where clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene are accessible to all, even in the face of a changing climate.
She thanked everyone for their participation.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Caucus Mutinta Twaambo, said Members of Parliament were looking forward to building their capacity in WASH, acknowledging their current limitations.
He emphasised the importance of the caucus, given the significant commitments made by the members, and highlighted the passion with which they spoke about WASH issues.
Mr Twaambo pointed out that water is an emotive issue affecting everyone, and parliamentarians were particularly feeling the pressure of the challenges brought by climate change.
He expressed the committee’s commitment to working with the support of the Forum to build capacity and address these challenges together.
This is contained in a statement issued by Zambia NGO WASH Communications Officer Bangwe Naviley.
