The Government says it is committed to supporting youth‑led initiatives in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS) Lusaka Provincial Water and Sanitation Officer Eng. Alice Tembo Chabala emphasised that young people are powerful agents of behaviour change and innovation.
She was speaking in a speech delivered by Senior Water Engineer, Eng. Andrew Mukuti at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Lusaka during a WASH Debate organised by the Youth WASH Ambassador Club with support from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Ministry of Health, and other partner organisations.
Eng. Chabala highlighted that the debate was more than an academic exercise, describing it as a platform where practical solutions begin.
She noted that motions on disease prevention, financing, and leadership can influence policy thinking at community and provincial levels.
The Government official underlined that student voices matter because they can inspire practical action and measurable impact.
She encouraged participants to translate arguments into pilot projects, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local government and NGOs.
Eng. Chabala assured students that her office stands ready to provide technical guidance, community networks, and opportunities for field experience.
She stressed that the youth must keep challenging assumptions, listening to communities, and turning knowledge into sustainable solutions.
Addressing the gathering, Youth WASH Ambassadors Club (YWAC) Learning and System Strengthening Programme Lead Dr. Wakisa Ndovie revealed that the institutions participating in the debate were the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC), Cavendish University Zambia, Lusaka Apex Medical University, and the University of Lusaka.
Dr. Ndovie explained that the first motion was that the House believes strengthening WASH systems is the most sustainable solution to preventing disease outbreaks in Zambia.
He pointed out that the second motion was that the House believes Zambia should prioritise increased domestic financing for WASH over reliance on donor funding.
Dr. Ndovie further noted that the third motion was that the House believes youth‑led initiatives are the most effective strategy for improving WASH outcomes in Zambia.
Cavendish University Zambia won the debate after defeating the University of Lusaka in the final session.