GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING FARMERS TO ADOPT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES – DR. CHIBAMBA

The Zambia NGO WASH Forum has called for sustained political will in the country to eliminate cholera by the year 2030.

Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba indicated that Zambia had committed to this goal back in 2018, highlighting several districts as areas of concern.

Ms Mumba noted that the government had committed to allocating 5% of the national budget towards WASH but had only ever reached 3%.

This issue was discussed during a meeting with the Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Lusaka, which was organised by the Forum with support from Water Sanitation For All.

Ms Mumba pointed out that various vulnerabilities, including low coverage of water, sanitation, and hygiene services, inadequate waste management, and poor sanitation facilities, contributed to the cholera situation.

She reviewed recent data that suggested a significant increase in the number of affected areas, moving from cholera hotspots to priority regions that require multi-stakeholder interventions.

Ms Mumba stressed the necessity for sustained political commitment and resource allocation to achieve long-term improvements in WASH and environmental interventions, particularly in the areas identified by the Zambia National Public Health Institute.

The Coordinator advocated for investment in sanitation, noting that for every dollar spent on water and sanitation, there was a return of four dollars.

She shared compelling statistics about the economic impact of cholera outbreaks, mentioning that they could lead to substantial losses in productivity and economic stability.

Ms Mumba remarked that access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right.

She highlighted that millions of people still lack access to these essential services and explained that the Forum aims to coordinate and amplify the efforts of organisations addressing this critical need.

Ms Mumba expressed that by working together, sharing knowledge, and advocating for effective policies, they could achieve a much greater impact than any single organization could accomplish alone.

She described the Forum as a network of various organisations focused on improving sanitation in Zambia, with a strong emphasis on coordination, capacity strengthening, advocacy for change, and raising awareness.

Ms Mumba stated that the ultimate goal is to empower communities, improve lives, and build a healthier and more equitable future for everyone, everywhere.

She emphasized that water and sanitation were dignity and human rights issues that needed to be addressed.

Ms Mumba extended appreciation to all Members of Parliament for their active participation, insightful contributions, and commitment to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Zambia.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Chairperson Mutinta Twaambo pointed out the need for capacity building for those working around the CDF, suggesting simplification and consultation in developing CDF guidelines.

He noted a lack of consultation with members of parliament in the past and called for improved communication.

Mr Twaambo emphasized the importance of understanding global goals, particularly those related to water, as many members of parliament lacked expertise in this area.

The PC-WASH Chairperson advocated for investment in water from civil society and other stakeholders, urging the building on existing urban plans rather than reinventing them.