The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has been urged to strengthen collaboration with civil society organisations to address challenges affecting water supply, sanitation and hygiene services across the country. The call is made by the NGO WASH Forum, saying stronger…

The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has been urged to strengthen collaboration with civil society organisations to address challenges affecting water supply, sanitation and hygiene services across the country.

The call is made by the NGO WASH Forum, saying stronger partnerships are necessary to ensure sustainable water and sanitation services, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the NGO WASH Forum on Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Elisha Matambo in Lusaka today, he noted that the government values the contribution of civil society organisations in supporting efforts to improve access to safe water and sanitation.

Mr Matambo said the forum’s 65 member organisations operating across all 10 provinces play an important role in community engagement, service delivery and promoting good hygiene practices.

He called on the forum to strengthen coordination among its members and maintain close engagement with the Ministry to ensure that interventions respond to the actual needs of communities.

Mr Matambo also emphasised the importance of regular communication and feedback from organisations working directly with communities to help the government improve its policies and programmes.

Meanwhile, NGO WASH Forum Board Chairperson, Marlon Phiri called for increased investment in climate-resilient water infrastructure, improved rural water facility maintenance and sustainable sanitation services.

Mr Phiri said some rural water points are failing prematurely due to corrosion, inadequate maintenance and weak asset management, undermining investments made in water supply infrastructure.

He noted that climate-related challenges, including the recent El Niño-induced drought, has exposed the vulnerability of communities and public services, calling for greater investment in water storage, groundwater development and solar-powered water systems.

Mr Phiri further proposed quarterly dialogue meetings between the Ministry and civil society organisations to review progress, identify emerging challenges and agree on practical solutions.

And NGO WASH Forum Coordinator, Bubala Mumba has called on government institutions to settle approximately 458 million Kwacha in outstanding water bills owed to commercial water utilities as of December 2025.

Mrs Mumba said unpaid bills are affecting the financial sustainability of commercial utilities by reducing their cash flow and delaying maintenance and rehabilitation works.

She disclosed that liabilities among commercial water utilities had increased to over K3.5 billion by June 2026, calling for measures to address the financial challenges facing the sector.

Mrs Mumba also welcomed the 6.2 percent increase in the 2027 allocation to the water and sanitation sector saying that its share of the national budget remains at approximately one percent.

She further called for increased investment in the sector and timely release of approved funds to support water supply and sanitation infrastructure.