Government Aims To Mobilize Approximately US$5.75 Billion By 2030 For Water Security

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation has reiterated that Government aims to mobilize at least US$5.75 billion by 2030 for water security and sustainable sanitation investments as outlined in the Zambia Water Investment Programme.

Speaking during the launch of the National Water Policy of 2024, Resource Mobilisation Strategy and Implementation Roadmap for Zambia Water Investment Programme (ZIP) and National Adaption Plan (NAP), and the WASH Equity and Inclusion Guideline, Collins Nzovu said the resource requirement for implementing the NAP is estimated at US$34.7 billion by 2030.

Engineer Nzovu stated that this combined roadmap will position Zambia as a resilient, green-growth nation, and the expected outcomes include the creation of sustainable employment and economic opportunities, improved adaptive capacity of communities to climate change, as well as accelerated national socio-economic development through water security.

He added that the roadmap provides a clear path for mobilizing resources necessary to achieve water security and climate adaptation, resulting in better access to water and sanitation, enhanced ecosystem protection, and increased private sector involvement among others.

“Government has been undertaking water sector reforms since the early 1990s. However, despite significant strides, we still face several challenges in achieving water security and universal access to water supply and sanitation services,” Engineer Nzovu noted.

Engineer Nzovu said the National Water Policy is not just a revision of previous policies but a robust, forward-looking framework that aligns with government’s national aspirations under Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which place water security at the centre of economic and social development agenda.

“This Policy is designed to address key challenges through an integrated approach to water management that encompasses both water supply and sanitation and water resources management.”
“Government is committed to addressing the barriers that prevent the delivery of sustainable water and sanitation services to all Zambians, especially vulnerable populations. We will embed equity and inclusion in our approach to WASH services to ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.