Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Local Government and Housing Minister John Phiri
Government says it acknowledges the fact that dilapidated and obsolete infrastructure against growing population and economic activities remains one of the major hindrances to improved provision of clean and safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.
Speaking at the launch of the 2014 National Water and Supply Council (NWASCO) Urban and Peri urban sector report last evening, Local Government and Housing Minister John Phiri says government has thus continued to mobilize resources for the rehabilitation and construction of water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
Dr. Phiri notes that the provision of clean and safe drinking water and better sanitation services is one of the priority development goals of the Patriotic Front government citing that this is why government has put the sector high on national planning and budgeting agenda.
He says the sector makes a significant contribution towards attaining sustainable socio economic development of the country.
Dr. Phiri adds that so far government’s efforts through policy and institutional reforms are beginning to bear fruit as evidenced by the increasingly quality services being offered.
He has further cautioned players in the sector that when they receive the investment or funding, they should bear in mind that it is intended to uplift the lives of the people who struggle day and night in search of clean and safe drinking water.
And speaking earlier, NWASCO Director Kelvin Chitumbo says water is the backbone of sustainable development as it is linked to health, poverty and environmental degradation.
He says it is therefore important to note that how the water sector is managed will have an impact on the economic performance of the country.
And Mines Energy and Water development Deputy Minister Charles Zulu reiterated government’s commitment to improving the water supply in the country.