*HISTORIC MoU SIGNED BETWEEN WASH SECTOR AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ZAMBIA*
Media Statement
Lusaka, Friday (November 8, 2024)
The Zambia NGO Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Forum is proud to announce the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Assembly of Zambia.
This landmark agreement formalises the relationship between the WASH sector and the newly established Parliamentary Caucus on WASH, an initiative conceived seven months ago.
The formation of the Parliamentary Caucus on WASH marks a significant milestone for the sector.
This partnership is expected to enhance advocacy efforts, streamline policy implementation, and ensure sustained political commitment to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Zambia.
The Caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for Members of Parliament to engage with WASH issues, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the nation’s WASH challenges.
With over 102 Members of Parliament expressing interest in joining the Caucus, this initiative demonstrates a robust commitment from Zambia’s legislative body to prioritize WASH issues.
The formalization of this partnership with the NGO WASH Forum underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between civil society and government to achieve sustainable development goals related to water and sanitation.
The MoU represents a pivotal step towards strengthening our collective efforts to improve WASH services in Zambia.
The active involvement of parliamentarians will undoubtedly accelerate progress and ensure that WASH remains a top priority on the national agenda.
Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Moyo highlighted the significance of the occasion as a milestone for the National Assembly, symbolizing a strengthened commitment toward advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene in Zambia.
Mr. Moyo noted the severe challenges due to water scarcity and inadequate sanitation and hygiene systems, which have threatened public health, economic development, environmental sustainability, and social stability.
He emphasized the establishment of PC-WASH as part of the commitment to address these challenges and improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, which are essential for promoting sustainable economic activities.
He expressed confidence that through the event, Parliament would gain the support of the Zambia NGO WASH Forum to develop and nurture the capacity of Parliamentarians to sustainably drive the WASH Agenda.
Earlier, Parliamentary Caucus on WASH Chairperson Twaambo Mutinta, noted that the Parliament of Zambia had joined other Parliaments worldwide in supporting and building systems that are pro-water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Mr. Mutinta saw the Caucus as an opportunity to eradicate water poverty by equipping themselves with knowledge and skills in water, sanitation, and hygiene.
He recognized the need for MPs to have the resources and training required to tackle WASH issues head-on.
Meanwhile, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson Marlon Phiri, mentioned that the Zambia NGO Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Forum was formally established in 2011 and serves as a coordination platform for international and local NGOs, as well as community-based organizations, working to improve WASH services in Zambia.
Mr. Phiri stated that the signing of the MoU signifies a formal commitment to collaboration and mutual support between the WASH Parliamentary Caucus and the NGO WASH Forum.
And SNV Zambia Country Director Lucy Fulgence emphasized that the parliamentary caucus WASH is a crucial platform that will enhance collaborations among members of Parliament and constituencies on water investments, leading to accelerated provision of WASH services in the country.
Ms. Fulgence highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships through collaborations with development partners, NGOs, and private sector entities to enhance WASH outcomes.
The exercise is part of the Water Voices United (WVU) Project which is 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 CSO 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 are ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all.
Issued by: Bubala Muyovwe Mumba National Coordinator, Zambia NGO WASH Forum.
