Sanitation services in Zambia still a challenge-Dr Chomba

Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Permanent secretary, Dr. Eddie Chomba says provision of sanitation services in Zambia still remains a challenge.

in a speech read on his behalf by director of water and sanitation Oswell Katooka, Dr Chomba says statistics indicate that Zambia has sanitation coverage of 21% with urban areas at 39% and rural areas at 19 %.

Dr. Chomba says it is for this reason that the country remains committed to attaining universal access to clean and safe water supply and adequate sanitation for all by 2030 as set out in the ministry’s vision and the seventh national development plan.

He adds that government has prioritised the provision of clean and safe water and adequate sanitation for all the Zambian people.

Dr. Chomba notes that last year’s outbreak of cholera was attributed mainly to inadequate water and sanitation services, pollution of water sources, poor waste management and general unhygienic conditions, and that this experience calls for everyone to proactively plan and take issues of service provision much more serious.

Speaking at the same event, SNV Netherlands Country Director Marjon Tuinsma says the learning event comes at a time when his organisation has just completed an intensive baseline exercise covering residential areas, schools and health facilities in 5 towns.

She says diarrhea is one of the top ten causes of death in Zambia, in particular affecting children under five years of age.

And Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director Mushani Kapusana says the workshop will benefit many people.