Newton Sibanda
April 11, 2014
The Zambian government has formulated a strategic plan to improve water resource infrastructure covering 2013 to 2016, Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development Christopher Yaluma has said.
Mr Yaluma says Government’s vision is to increase access to water and sanitation to over 80 percent by 2016 for both rural and urban areas.
He was speaking in Lusaka during a national stakeholders’ consultative meeting on water hosted by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa.
The proportion of population with access to safe water supply in rural areas stands at 66 percent and 82 percent for urban areas, while the proportion of population with access to adequate sanitation in rural and urban areas stands at 51 percent and 60 percent, respectively.
Mr Yaluma said Government will also develop skills to ensure effective water resource management and efficient provision of reliable and safe water and sanitation services.
“We will provide a long-term implementation framework for water-related programmes in the national development plans,” the minister said.
Mr Yaluma said Government has created an enabling environment through the development of the revised national water policy of 2010 and the Water Resources Management Act of 2011.
He said the Water Resources Management Act provides legal and institutional frameworks for the water sector.
Mr Yaluma is also happy that the development of the water and sanitation policy by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has advanced.
newton good story where are you based and how can l email you?
Hey Wallace,
I will send you Newton’s contacts using our email.
Cheers