By 
The Zambian government has called for strong governance, sustained investment, and inclusive collaboration in the country’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems to safeguard the future, particularly for children.
Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the escalating impacts of climate change on WASH systems.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Romas Kamanga, emphasised the urgency of climate action in the WASH sector.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Ministry Director of Planning, Melvin Sikazwe, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kamanga outlined government’s collaboration with UNICEF and the Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
He noted that climate-induced hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, and droughts were already disrupting water supply systems and damaging sanitation infrastructure.
“The Southern, Western, and Eastern provinces are facing the most severe impacts, where climate pressures intersect with limited access to WASH services,” Kamanga said.
He pointed to the drying of shallow wells in many communities, which has forced women and children to walk long distances for water.
Kamanga also cited Zambia’s worst cholera outbreak in two decades—with more than 20,000 cases recorded in just two weeks—as evidence of the fragility of existing systems.
“Climate-related disasters have cost Zambia billions of US dollars over the past 30 years, straining public resources and slowing development,” he said.
Read More: WaterAid calls for greater WASH investment, as 32% of Zambians lack basic water access
He described the three-day workshop as a key milestone in developing a climate-resilient roadmap for WASH, integrating climate science with service delivery.
Earlier, UNICEF Zambia Deputy Country Representative, Kenanao Motlhoiwa, highlighted the need to establish partnerships guided by community needs and inclusive values.
“Climate action should be woven into all WASH sector discussions, especially those involving youth and children,” Motlhoiwa said.
She called for genuine representation of children, youth, women, and persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of measurable commitments to inclusion.
Motlhoiwa encouraged participants to engage communities, hold stakeholders accountable, and bring human relevance to their work.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments