*GOVERNMENT NOT IMMUNE TO STAKEHOLDER SENTIMENTS ON WATER TARIFFS – NZOVU*
……as he launches three key documents for WASH sector..
Lusaka, Friday (October 4, 2024)
MEDIA STATEMENT
Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu says the Government is not immune to sentiments from stakeholders regarding issues such as water tariffs.
He mentioned hearing strong sentiments about the need to abandon the “business as usual” approach in the water sector, emphasizing the urgency due to high water stress and the significant amounts of money required to make progress.
Mr. Nzovu highlighted that the Ministry’s presentation stressed the need for immediate action, stating that everything must be done urgently as the water sector is in a state of emergency.
He reiterated the importance of coordination among stakeholders to resolve issues and emphasized that some matters must quickly be escalated to the Cabinet and the President.
The Minister assured that the Ministry is committed to improving the water sector, including tariff adjustments, better operations, and enhanced sanitation facilities.
He also mentioned the recent launch of a community initiative with the Minister of Local Government, Housing and Rural Development, demonstrating the positive impact of better community coordination.
Mr. Nzovu stressed the need for alignment and resolution of long-standing issues in the water sector, calling for necessary reforms and legal changes to ensure successful project implementation.
The Cabinet Minister emphasized that the government is fully aligned with the objectives of the water sector and urged stakeholders to take advantage of this alignment to achieve their goals.
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in achieving water security and universal access to water supply and sanitation services, despite reforms since the early 1990s.
This came to light in Lusaka when Mr. Nzovu officially launched the National Water Policy of 2024, the Resource Mobilization Strategy and Implementation Roadmap, the Zambia Water Investment Program, and the National Adaptation Plan at an event attended by various stakeholders including Zambia NGO WASH Forum.
He assured that the National Water Policy aligns with national aspirations under Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, placing water security at the center of the economic and social development agenda.
“The policy aims to address key challenges through an integrated approach to water management, ensuring sustainable use and equitable access to safe and clean water for all Zambians. It also recognizes the growing threat of climate change and commits to developing climate-resilient water infrastructure,” he said.
Mr. Nzovu reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to water supply and sanitation by 2050, investing in water infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
He highlighted the importance of water for economic development and job creation, especially in agriculture, industry, and energy generation.
“The policy proposes legal and institutional reforms to enhance efficiency and accountability in the water sector, ensuring clear separation of regulatory and management functions and strengthening stakeholder participation at all levels,” he said.
Meanwhile, WaterAid Zambia Country Director Yankho Mataya emphasized the importance of the Resource Mobilization Strategy for achieving Zambia’s SDG and Vision 2030 targets.
She highlighted that resources are crucial for nationalizing efforts and addressing financing gaps in the water sector, which have persisted for years.
Ms. Mataya said the ongoing drought and climate change had underscored the need for increased investments, expressing hope that the strategy would lead to better and more inclusive services over the 2020-2030 strategic period.
At the same function, Raubil Durowoji, representing the African Development Bank (ADB), commended the Zambian government and its partners for their efforts in ensuring access to safe water, especially amidst the severe drought affecting Southern Africa.
He praised the leadership of the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation for the development and successful launch of three key documents, including the National Water Policy.
Mr. Durowoji emphasized that these documents aim to align national policies with international frameworks, raise the profile of the water sector, and address cross-cutting issues like gender.
He highlighted that the National Water Policy provides essential tools for the strategic and adaptive management of water resources.
Mr. Durowoji urged the Ministry to establish effective mechanisms for monitoring and tracking progress, assuring them of ADB’s full support and confidence in their leadership.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Zambia NGO WASH Forum Communications Officer Bangwe Naviley.
