Lusaka, Monday (November 18, 2024)
MEDIA STATEMENT
Zambia NGO WASH Forum has stepped up efforts to benchmark and exchange learnings with sister organisations in other countries, having welcomed to Zambia a delegation representing the Malawi Water and Environment Sanitation Network (WESNET) from 5th to the 8th November.
The exchange revealed that WESNET was established in 2011 and has 102 members, as indicated by Malawi Executive Director Mr. Willies Mwandira.
He further noted the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Water and Sanitation in Malawi as a major achievement of the members, after a lengthy advocacy process.
WESNET is organized around technical working groups, namely: Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, Policy and Advocacy and Research and Learning.
They have also decentralized chapters in the different regions of Malawi, where the work of the Network members takes place in a coordinated matter at the sub-national level.
NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson Marlon Phiri appreciated the structure and achievements of WESNET and noted that their experiences are inspirational for the Zambian counterpart.
The Chairperson further highlighted the difficulties in securing consistent funding for WASH activities, as funds are often diverted to other priorities.
The WASH Champion advocated for ring-fencing WASH funds to ensure they are used for their intended purpose.
He also discussed the impact of diseases like cholera and the need for improved WASH facilities to prevent outbreaks.
He further called for increased engagement with parliamentarians to push for better funding and support for WASH initiatives in schools.
The learning exercise is part of the Water Voices United (WVU) Project, 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: Bangwe Naviley, Communications Officer, Zambia NGO WASH Forum
