Govt reviewing the water supply and sanitation Act number 26. of 1997

Government is in the process of reviewing the water supply and sanitation Act number 26. of 1997 to bring on board new and emerging issues in the provision of water supply and sanitation.

Speaking during the official opening of a two day Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition in Lusaka today, Acting minister of water development, sanitation and environmental protection Freedom Sikazwe said the reviewing of the act is in line with government’s vision to ensure that every household has access to drinking water and sanitation services by 2030.

Mr. Sikazwe says efforts to develop the water supply and sanitation policy are also underway including the development of a funding mechanism for the water sector.

He has however, stated that water is everyone’s responsibility and as such, players that include the private sector, civil societies and local communities should join hands in ensuring sustainable development and management of water resources.

Mr Sikazwe has since reiterated government’s focus in providing resources towards the development and upgrading of infrastructure necessary to meet the needs and expectations of the local people as can be noted in this year’s budget budgetary allocation of 391 million kwacha towards the improvement of water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

And speaking on behalf of the international community, Germany Embassy deputy head of development cooperation Michal Kielar said the international community remains committed to supporting government achieve its 2030 vision to provide adequate water supply and sanitation to every household.