Government has called for a strengthened public sector and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 2026 Africa Public Service Day in Kasama yesterday, Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri says strong institutions and effective partnerships are essential in delivering quality public services and improving the lives of citizens.
Ms Undi – Phiri noted that despite the progress that has made, many communities still face inadequate access to safe water sources and proper sanitation facilities,
Ms, Undi-phiri has observed that inadequate access to safe water sources and proper sanitation facilities continues to undermine health, education, and economic development.
Ms Undi-Phiri added that achieving universal access to water and sanitation requires concerted efforts from government institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, the private sector, and cooperating partners.
She indicated that the Government remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity to effectively plan, implement and monitor water and sanitation programmes while investing in infrastructure that expands access to piped water, boreholes and modern sanitation facilities.
“Government will continue promoting community participation in the management and maintenance of water facilities, while embracing technology and innovation to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in service delivery,” she said.
She further urged public servants to uphold professionalism, integrity, dedication and innovation in the discharge of their duties, saying the public service remains a key driver of development at community, provincial, and national levels.
Ms Undi-Phiri disclosed that Northern Province has recorded notable achievements in line with the theme for this year’s commemoration.
She cited the education sector as one sector that has benefited from the construction of 189 classroom blocks, establishment of early childhood education hubs, procurement of 97,551 school desks and construction of dormitories to improve access to quality education.
She added that significant investments have also been made in water and sanitation through the construction of water reticulation systems, boreholes, VIP toilets and ablution blocks, thereby improving public health and access to safe water.
Ms Undi-Phiri further said partnerships with civil society organisations, traditional leaders and international cooperating partners have enhanced technical expertise, financial support and community ownership of water and sanitation projects across the province.
The Acting PS also highlighted progress in infrastructure development, noting that the Government has completed 835.52 kilometres of feeder roads, bridges, electrification projects, markets and other community facilities to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Ms Undi-Phiri said the Government has continued investing in human capital development through the recruitment of more than 41,917 teachers and over 18,000 health workers since 2021.
She added that the Government plans to recruit an additional 2,000 teachers and 2,000 health workers as part of efforts to improve education and healthcare service delivery across the country.
Ms Undi-Phiri reaffirmed Government’s commitment to taking development to every ward, constituency and district, saying the true measure of public service lies in the positive impact made in the lives of the people.
She further called on all public servants and stakeholders to remain committed to building strong institutions and fostering partnerships that will ensure every household, school and health facility have access to clean water and safe sanitation.
Northern Province Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator Gethings Chisule has described the commemoration of Africa Public Service Day as a platform that presents an opportunity educating farmers on modern and sustainable farming practices.
Mr Chisule said the event also serves as an opportunity to sensitize farmers on the benefits of fish farming and has since encouraged all to be part of the day and venture into deferment agriculture activities.
This year’s Africa Public Service Day in Kasama attracted a number of government institutions that showcased their services through exhibitions.
The commemoration was held under the theme, “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multistakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2026,”.
