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The Zambia NGO WASH Forum has called for stronger commitments to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in President Hakainde Hichilema’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, saying the sector should be central to Zambia’s development agenda as the country transitions to the Ninth National Development Plan.
Hichilema is expected to address Parliament on Friday, Oct. 9, outlining government priorities and progress on national development.
Forum Coordinator, Bubala Mumba, said the address would provide an opportunity to set the direction for WASH over the next five years and build on progress made under the Eighth National Development Plan while addressing remaining gaps.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mumba said the Forum expects the address to highlight reliable water supply, safely managed sanitation, hygiene, public health and climate resilience.
She said government commitments should go beyond expanding infrastructure to ensuring that water systems remain functional, water quality is protected and services are reliable.
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“We would like to hear a clear commitment to move beyond simply expanding infrastructure to making sure that water systems remain functional, water quality is protected and services are reliable. The effects of droughts, floods and pressure on water resources mean that climate resilience must now be built into the way Zambia plans and invests in WASH,” Mumba said.
She said the Forum’s submission to the Ninth National Development Plan proposes an overall development outcome of improved access to sustainable and climate-resilient WASH services.
Mumba said investment should cover climate-resilient infrastructure, water quality monitoring, sustainable operations and maintenance, and protection of water sources.
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