NWASCO partners with BORDA Zambia to improve wash services in schools
National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) Zambia aimed at improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in schools.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, NWASCO Managing Director Engineer Kelvin Chitumbo said the collaboration will support crucial water quality interventions in selected schools and communities.
Eng. Chitumbo stated that the two organizations will work to ensure safe, clean water access in schools, while enhancing water quality monitoring where it is needed most, so as to protect public health and provide young people with the secure environments they need to thrive.
“Through this MoU, NWASCO and BORDA Zambia are embarking on several key initiatives, each crafted to make a lasting impact on our youth and communities. One of our primary goals is to support the establishment and strengthening of School WASH Clubs.”
“By empowering learners to Pe an active role in promoting WASH principles, we lay a foundation for nurturing a new generation of young leaders who understand the vital importance of sustainable water use and sanitation,” Eng. Chitumbo stated.
He added that the partnership supports NWASCO’s Water Conservation Plan under the Drought Response Plan, stating that as Zambia navigate climate-related challenges, water conservation and effective resource management are more critical than ever.
“Collaborating with BORDA Zambia through initiatives like the Battle of the Brains School Competition and national commemorations such as World Water Day, World Toilet Day, and Global Handwashing Day, among others, will enable us reinforce efforts of raising awareness on critical WASH issues.”
“By involving students in quizzes, debates, and interactive events, we aim to ignite curiosity and instil lifelong habits centred around water conservation and sanitation. These events are not merely about spreading awareness; they are about creating champions of change who will carry forward these essential values,” he added.
And BORDA Zambia Country Director Amanda Mallaghan, has acknowledged the challenges being faced by low- income communities and schools with regards to water access, underscoring the importance of WASH activities for human life, economic growth and environmental conservation.
Ms. Mallaghan said strategic partnerships are therefore essential for driving meaningful change.
“It is necessary for us to take a very collaborative approach as stakeholders. Addressing these challenges requires that we take multifaceted approach, extending beyond just organizations like NWASCO and BORDA, CSOs and other communities that we engage with.”
“Strategic partnerships and linkages amongst WASH stakeholders are essential towards tackling Zambia’s water and sanitation challenges. Drought has exacerbated these issues underscoring the need for collaborative action. As a technical expert organization specialized in sanitation solutions, our expertise, knowledge management, research and advocacy will be invaluable in garnering support and financing for WASH services,” Ms. Mallaghan said.
