The Zambia NGO WASH Forum is concerned that Zambia is currently experiencing one of its worst droughts in recent years caused by the El Nino.
Forum National Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba said this has caused uncertainties on food, energy, and water security.
Ms Mumba said DMMU estimates that water availability will reduce by 45% this year.
She has since proposed the creation of an emergency Fund for WASH-related emergencies to enable timely and effective response in the event of droughts and other emergencies.
The WASH Champion justifies that this will create water security and mitigate the impact of climate change on Water resources management.
“As Climate Change is here to stay, this will also mean adaptation and mitigation to climate change effects on WASH,” she said.
Ms Mumba said this will create climate resilience and community adaptation, ultimately improving the country’s food, energy, and water security.
On revenue implications, Ms Mumba said the proposal is for budget reallocation from existing budget lines like CDF where expenditure is still very low.
This came to light during a National Budget Consultative Meeting in Lusaka organised by the Ministry of Finance.
