WATER VOICES UNITED PROJECT LAUNCHES K500,000 OUTPUT-BASED GRANT TO BOOST CSO CAPACITY UNDER ZAMBIA NGO WASH FORUM

The Water Voices United project has launched an Output-Based initiative to build CSO capacity for advocacy and policy dialogue with Sub-National Governments.  

Backed by a K500,000 grant, the project supports inclusive and climate-resilient implementation of national programmes for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

Speaking in Lusaka during the On-Boarding of the successful Seven CSOs for the Output-Based Competition event, Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba says the exercise highlights the importance of strengthening local CSOs’ organisational capabilities.

Ms Mumba emphasised that the Forum was fortunate to have the co-financing from the European Union and the Danish People’s Aid, committed to supporting capacity building. 

She stressed that the strength of the Forum depended on the accountability and active participation of its members, warning that without these qualities, funding requests would be difficult to justify.

The Zambia NGO WASH Forum Coordinator highlighted the importance of honest feedback and continuous learning, encouraging members not to fear mistakes but to view them as opportunities for growth.

She praised those who consistently fulfilled their commitments to ensure communities received essential services.

Earlier, Water Voices United (WVU) Deputy Project Manager Davy Ng’oma said each Civil Society Organisation (CSO) would be granted 500,000 Kwacha to implement activities over four months.

Mr Ngoma stressed the need for CSOs to ensure compliance with the grant guidelines, understanding their roles and responsibilities, and the project’s goals.

He urged participants to seek clarification wherever necessary

The WVU Deputy Project Manager focused on monitoring and evaluation, explaining that CSOs must measure progress carefully against a zero baseline and set targets as detailed in the project plans.

He clarified that the project’s focus was advocacy and stakeholder engagement, not infrastructure development, and outlined the formal procedures for communicating with government officials and other duty bearers.

Mr Ng’oma explained the output-based payment system, linking disbursements to verifiable quality deliverables.

“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.

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