Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
General Education Minister Dr. Dennis Wanchinga
Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Minister Dennis Wanchinga says the new regulation for groundwater is not meant to BURDEN ZAMBIANS with new taxes
Speaking during the 2018 commemoration of the World Water Day in Kabwe District today under the theme “Nature for Water”, Dr. Wanchinga says the government only wants to ensure that all boreholes in the country are registered for proper monitoring on the part of the authorities.
He says there is need to protect Zambia’s water tables against water poisoning.
Dr Wanchinga says evidence has shown that environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises such as floods, drought and water pollution, and thus accelerating degradation of vegetation, soil, rivers and lakes.
He says among the challenges affecting the global community today include 80 percent of industrial and municipal wastewater released into the environment without any prior treatment resulting in a growing deterioration of overall water quality with detrimental impacts on human health and ecosystems.
Dr. Wanchinga says his ministry has put in place a number of programs aimed at improving water resource development and management as well as improved access to water sanitation.
Speaking at the same event, United Nations Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan says for Zambia to achieve and meet the Sustainable Development Goals on universal access to safe water, there is need for massive annual investment in water and sanitation programs.
And representing Cooperating partners, Water Aid Zambia Country Director Pamela Chisanga said cooperating partners will continue supporting Zambia in addressing the water crises in the country.