A journalist advocating for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene, Bangwe Naviley Chisenga, says the killing of a girl by a crocodile while she was drawing water in Sioma District of Western Province is enough reason to lobby for increased financing to the WASH sector.
The victim was identified as 20 year old Sikwezi Pelekelo of Sokoto Village in Sioma District, who was attacked at approximately 15 hours on Wednesday while fetching water from the Zambezi River and was dragged beneath the water before her body was later found floating.
Sikwezi was the second family member to die in four days, following the death of her cousin Monde Pelekelo, who was 22 years old.
In a statement today, Bangwe explained that the budget towards WASH has dropped from 1.80 per cent in 2021 to a projected 1.06 per cent in 2026.
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He observed that the tragic loss of life highlights the urgent need for safe and reliable water sources in rural communities.
He noted that the UPND manifesto commits to expanding water supply infrastructure, protecting water sources and strengthening rural and urban sanitation systems.
Bangwe advanced that making the sector a priority is important because the issue of drums is not limited to Lusaka but is countrywide.
He said that the mayor can use the current political will on cleaning Lusaka to lobby for WASH financing.
Bangwe affirmed that cholera will continue even if they clean Lusaka without addressing WASH.
He paid tribute to various non-governmental organisations complementing government efforts to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene.
He emphasised that citizens should follow the progress of manifesto commitments and demand delivery from their leaders.
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