The People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ) has officially launched the Drought in Displacement (DID) Research Project in Lusaka’s Mazyopa Compound.
PPHPZ Country Coordinator Nelson Ncube revealed that the initiative aims to collect data for advocacy on access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, land tenure security, and climate resilience in Mazyopa.
Mr Ncube emphasized that the project will generate evidence to drive policy dialogue and inform interventions to improve living conditions in marginalized communities.
He stated that the collaborative effort involves the PPHPZ, the Zambia Homeless and Poor People’s Federation, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), and the University of Zambia (UNZA).
Mr. Ncube explained that Mazyopa Compound was chosen for the project due to its unique challenges, including limited access to water and sanitation, land tenure insecurity, and vulnerability to climate-induced events.
He said the community’s reliance on shallow wells and boreholes has led to public health concerns, such as cholera outbreaks.
The PPHPZ Country Coordinator added that rapid urbanization and informal housing developments have exacerbated residents’ exposure to environmental hazards.
Mr Ncube highlighted that the research aims to inform policies and interventions to enhance the resilience and well-being of the people of Mazyopa and similar communities.
He said during the last farming season, 2023-2024, Zambia experienced a drought that had devastating consequences on agriculture, water availability, and energy supply.
Mr Ncube said the disaster affected at least 84 districts, including Lusaka, where the DID research project is being launched.
He said the project seeks to tackle one of Lusaka’s most critical concerns—water and sanitation access.
“Internally displaced migrants in informal settlements like Mazyopa Compound face immense barriers to securing their rightful share of essential services,” he said.
Mr Ncube reiterated that access to water and sanitation services is a human right and called for a commitment to inclusivity, justice, and building a future where every resident of Lusaka has access to safe and clean water.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala highlighted that the severe drought of 2024 affected over 10 million people, including more than 2.5 million facing acute food insecurity.
“The drought has led to significant urban displacement, with rural communities migrating in search of water, food, and opportunities,” she said.
Ms. Chitangala noted that the government has responded to the crisis with national emergency declarations, drought response measures, and international aid mobilization.
“Key interventions have included the distribution of relief food, subsidies on water access, and the implementation of drought-resilient agricultural practices. However, challenges remain, particularly in reaching displaced communities in urban informal settlements where infrastructure is strained, and water shortages are escalating,” she said.
The Lusaka Mayor emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
She said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by the Councillor for Lusaka’s Ward 17 Mubotu Madyenkuku.
And University of Zambia UNZA Co-Investigator Dr. Gilbert Siame said drought is leading to internally displaced persons as they migrate against their own will.
