HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ZAMBIA, ZAMBIA NGO WASH FORUM SIGN MOU TO ADVANCE HUMAN RIGHT TO WATER AND SANITATION

Habitat for Humanity Zambia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Zambia NGO WASH Forum to strengthen collaboration towards the realisation of the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation in Zambia.  

Habitat for Humanity Zambia’s National Director, Mathabo Makuta, emphasised the critical importance of access to clean water and sanitation.

Ms. Makuta praised the Water Voices United project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and led by SNV in partnership with the Zambia NGO WASH Forum.

She emphasised that the event symbolised their collective commitment to strengthening the capabilities and cooperation of civil society organisations in Zambia.

“This initiative is seen not just as a project, but as a pledge to future generations to work towards realising the human right to water and sanitation,” she said.

Ms. Makuta described the MOU as a significant milestone, setting guiding principles to ensure their efforts are coherent, impactful, and sustainable.

“Three key outputs were outlined: strengthening the internal management systems of WASH CSOs and the NGO WASH Forum, enhancing the capacities of WASH CSOs and the Forum to engage in meaningful policy dialogue, and committing to regular coordination meetings and advocacy efforts,” she said.

Ms. Makuta expressed her gratitude to all partners, funders, and stakeholders.

“The collaboration is aimed at building healthier communities and empowering citizens by ensuring everyone has access to clean water and sanitation,” she said.

Ms Makuta said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by Habitat For Humanity Zambia Business Development and Partnerships Manager Fred Nkowe.

Meanwhile, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Board Representative Masauso Nqumayo highlighted the significance of the MOU, marking a key step towards ensuring access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene for all Zambians.

Mr. Nqumayo noted the strengthening of their commitment to cooperative action, leveraging collective expertise for a greater impact.

He acknowledged Habitat for Humanity Zambia’s longstanding dedication to building homes and communities, praising their innovative and community-led development approaches.

“The MOU was described as a commitment to address critical WASH challenges collaboratively, aiming for impactful programme development and implementation. Focus areas of the partnership include joint advocacy, community mobilisation, capacity building, resource mobilisation, and enhanced project implementation,” he said.

Mr. Nqumayo highlighted that access to WASH is a fundamental human right linked to health, education, economic development, and overall well-being.

“By joining forces with Habitat for Humanity Zambia, the partnership aims to address complex challenges hindering access to essential services. The signing of the agreement is seen as the beginning of a powerful alliance aimed at empowering communities and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 6,” he said.

Mr. Nqumayo expressed anticipation for a fruitful partnership, emphasising their shared goal of making a real difference in the lives of people.

And Zambia NGO WASH Forum Advocacy Officer, Nonde Lwatula, reiterated the importance of this partnership, which represents a commitment to improving water and sanitation access for all Zambians. Mr. Lwatula highlighted the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, expressing a willingness to share data and collaborate with Habitat for Humanity Zambia to ensure these global goals are met.