By Amos Sikaonga 
By Amos Sikaonga
Information and Media Permanent Secretary has charged that Zambia’s water and sanitation sector has recorded significant progress, with increased budgetary allocation over the last three and half years.
In a Facebook monitored by Money News, Thabo Kawana noted that improved access to water and sanitation has had a positive impact on public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
“Water and sanitation are vital for national development because they underpin public health, boost economic productivity, and enhance environmental protection.”
“Access to safe water and proper sanitation reduces disease, improves livelihoods, and supports education, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous Zambia,” Mr. Kawana said.
He added that government is committed to achieving the Vision 2030 goal of universal access to potable water and improved sanitation for all Zambians.
“There is a rise in budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, particularly in the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Component, which grew from K266 million in 2021 to K858 million in 2023, a 221 percent increase.
“The allocation rose further to K1.046 billion in 2024, representing a 293 percent increase from the 2021 figure,” he noted.
Mr. Kawana stated that funding for water resources development rose from K58 million in 2021 to K142 million in 2022, K338 million in 2023, and K538 million in 2024, representing an increase of 815 percent over the period.
He also disclosed that government has maintained 90 small dams across the five most drought-affected provinces and issued 58 surface water permits and 103 groundwater permits to strengthen water resource management.
“Government has completed the Integrated Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Luapula, Muchinga, and Northern provinces, which will benefit more than 900,000 people.”
“In Western Province, similar works have reached 78 percent completion,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kawana revealed that in December 2024, Zambia enacted the Green Economy and Climate Change Act, aimed at guiding the country’s transition to sustainable development and resilience against climate threats.
“The Act provides for climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, low-emission development, and a green economy.”
“It also regulates carbon markets, establishes environmental and social safeguards, and creates the Climate Change Fund to finance climate actions,” he said.
Cecilia Chiluba