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Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation, with a strong focus on easing the burden that water scarcity places on women and girls.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, said limited access to water has, for years, disproportionately affected women and girls, who often walk long distances, spend hours in queues and miss out on education and economic opportunities.
In a statement issued on Monday, he said such challenges must steadily become a thing of the past, as government intensified efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water services.
“Access to safe water is not a privilege for a few; it is a fundamental necessity for all,” Nzovu said, stressing that no community or gender should be left behind.
He noted that improving water access is not only a development priority, but also a matter of equity, dignity and social justice, with far-reaching benefits for health, education and economic empowerment.
Nzovu announced that this year’s national World Water Day celebrations would be held in Kasongo Community on the outskirts of Luanshya District, a location deliberately chosen to highlight progress in the water sector.
Read more: Nalumango reaffirms Zambia’s commitment to $5.8 billion water investment drive
For decades, Kasongo residents relied on shallow wells, with women, children and the elderly bearing the burden of sourcing water from long distances, often from unsafe sources.
However, the situation is now changing following the installation of a new water distribution network that will supply clean and reliable water within the community.
“These are more than just infrastructure investments; they represent restored dignity, improved health and renewed opportunity,” Nzovu said.
He described Kasongo as a practical example of this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” demonstrating how targeted government interventions can transform lives.
Nzovu attributed the progress to government efforts under President Hakainde Hichilema, noting that the development formed part of a broader agenda to achieve universal and sustainable access to water and sanitation services nationwide.
He called on stakeholders, including water utilities, local authorities, cooperating partners, civil society organisations and traditional leaders, to work closely with government in achieving universal access to safe water.
“Water must never be viewed as a privilege for a few, but as a basic necessity for every Zambian,” he said.
He officially launched Zambia Water Week 2026 and expressed anticipation of joining residents in Kasongo for the national World Water Day commemorations.
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