Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PC-WASH) Chairperson, Mutinta Twaambo, says lawmakers are anticipating an improved budget towards the WASH sector, particularly to address challenges affecting WASH in schools.
He expressed concern that current budget allocations for WASH are inadequate, urging Government to progressively increase funding to meet growing demands in schools and address climate-related challenges.
Mr Twaambo was speaking in Lusaka during the WASH in Schools Sharing Event, organised by the NGO WASH Forum, BORDA Zambia, and World Vision, under the theme Strengthening Systems for Inclusive and Sustainable WASH in Schools.
He told delegates that water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools are fundamental rights essential for children’s health and education.
Mr Twaambo highlighted the importance of discussions on financing, governance, climate resilience, menstrual health, and gender inclusion as directly linked to the realities of learners and teachers.
He urged parliamentarians and stakeholders to treat the gathering as a call to action, deepening partnerships and ensuring clean water and sanitation in every school.
Earlier, NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson, Marlon Phiri, paid tribute to all stakeholders for their commitment to advancing inclusive WASH in Zambia’s schools.
Mr Phiri stressed that education cannot thrive without safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene, framing WASH as a human rights issue.
He called on all participants to embrace collaboration and leave the event with renewed determination to make WASH a reality in every school.
Mr Phiri outlined priority themes for the two-day event, including financing, climate-resilient infrastructure, menstrual health, and hygiene promotion.
He pointed to the Water Voices United project as a key collaboration enhancing civil society’s capacity to support Government efforts.
“Water Voices United 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 CSOs’ role in WASH governance, the project supports the Zambian Government’s efforts towards the progressive realisation 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,” he said.
