Bring out sanitation issues, Water Aid urges politicians

Pamela Chisanga

Water Aid Zambia has observed that it clear issues of water, sanitation and hygiene are not a priority in this year’s elections.

Water Aid Country Representative Pamela Chisanga says politicians are not talking about what they will do if elected into power to deliver, water, sanitation and hygiene services to the people of Zambia.

Ms. Chisanga says water, sanitation and hygiene challenges are a crisis, and that politicians should clearly state how they will handle them.

She adds every year in the country, 8,000 adults and 6000 children die due to diarrhea related diseases and that by ignoring this fact, politicians are willing to risk the lives of the people for a vote.

Ms. Chisanga says the country has set targets for water coverage and politicians should speak out on how they intend to meet the target if voted for.

She further states that political parties should ensure they prioritize issues affecting the people in their campaigns, stressing that mere pronouncements that they will improve water and sanitation are not enough.