GOVERNMENT URGES UNITY AMONG WASH STAKEHOLDERS IN EASTERN PROVINCE

Updated on July 24, 2025
by Zambia NGO WASH
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The Government has called on non-state actors in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in Eastern Province to work collaboratively rather than in silos.

Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Lewis Mwape said WASH CSOs can foster collaboration by joining a shared platform like Zambia NGO WASH Forum for open communication, resource pooling, and joint strategic planning to address common goals effectively.

He pointed out the low investment in sanitation at 37% with water coverage at 67% in Eastern Province and urged for increased efforts to support governmental initiatives.

Dr Mwape said robust WASH investments could reverse high dropout rates among girls in schools, promoting inclusive access to education.

He was speaking in Chipata when he officially opened the NGO WASH Forum Regional CSO Collaboration and Coordination Workshop.

The regional workshop aims to improve coordination and networking capacities of WASH CSOs through the strengthening of the NGO WASH Forum’s ability to support, empower and connect CSOs at local level which will result in strengthened decentralised coordination, improved knowledge, sharing and joint actions, enhanced visibility and communication with citizens, on one data base mapping all WASH CSOs.

Dr. Mwape highlighted the importance of inclusive efforts and praised the NGO WASH Forum for ensuring Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are included in WASH initiatives.

He also commended the NGO WASH Forum for launching a comprehensive database, illustrating how non-state actors can effectively partner with the government.

Meanwhile, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Advocacy Officer Nonde Lwatula highlighted the importance of the Eastern Province CSO Regional Meeting in recruiting more members to the Forum and complementing government efforts in WASH service provision.

“Water Voices United is a transformative four-year project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and synergies among WASH Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia. By fostering the CSOs role in WASH governance, the project supports the Zambian Government’s efforts towards the progressive realization of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. Together, we are not just aiming for change; we’re ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all,” he said.

Eastern Provincial Water Supply and Sanitation Officer, Engineer Abraham Banda, addressed the challenges faced in mapping stakeholders under the WASH initiative.

He urged all WASH partners to understand and follow ministry policies and emphasized that the Ministry exists to provide policy guidance, coordinate stakeholders and provide technical support to all partners in the implementation of WASH programmes.

Eng. Banda stressed that adherence to recommended approaches and guidelines is crucial, warning that some water infrastructure projects have become “white elephants” due to neglect of ministry’ guidelines.

Eng. Banda also pointed out that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030 would be unattainable without effective collaboration among partners.

He highlighted the low sanitation coverage in Eastern Province and urged stakeholders to work together to improve conditions and ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

The Ministry’s willingness to offer guidance and the importance of stakeholders joining DWASHE and PWASHE Committees to discuss WASH plans, budgets and initiatives to avoid duplication of efforts which was also emphasized.