THE government is this year expected to drill 55 new boreholes in Namwala district in an effort to increase access to clean drinking water to people in line with the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] by 2015.
District Commissioner, Eunice Nawa, says there was need to involve women in all water-related development programs as they are the ones who often spend long hours fetching and carrying water, especially in rural areas.
Officially opening World Water Day celebrations yesterday under the theme “Shared water, shared opportunities”, Ms. Nawa said the government recognizes the cultural, environmental and economic importance of water and was doing everything possible to increase access to clean water and sanitation in the district.
Ms. Nawa noted that access to safe drinking water and sanitation influences everybody’s health, education, life expectancy, well-being and social development.
The DC observed that it was imperative for intensified collaboration among all stakeholders in the private and public sectors as well as members of the community to ensure sustainable supplies of clean drinking water.
“The provision of clean drinking water should not only be left to the government alone but we need to see active involvement of all stakeholders so that there can be an integrated approach that includes effective water usage, management and delivery to those who need clean water,” she said.
Ms. Nawa said there was need to involve women in all water related development efforts so that they are able to participate more meaningfully in decision making on how water is used and managed.
“In any culture, including indigenous societies, women are the guardians of water and should be involved in all water related activities if communities are to benefit from their knowledge and skills,” said Ms. Nawa.
She called on the District Water Sanitation and Health Education [D-WASHE] as they implement community-based water supply projects to ensure that women’s views are taken into account.
Meanwhile, Ms. Nawa thanked the Danish government for the continued support it was rendering to the district in promoting D-WASHE activities in collaboration with the Zambian government.
ZANIS/ENDS/FM/EB.
Good idea, the poor people in this area will be more than appreciative of the same.
We wait for action.
Why do i get this feeling Zambia has more boreholes than any other country in the world? At the rate we are going, it may soon become compulsory for everyone to have one in their homes!
And the problem is?
Another good move Ba govt. Clean and safe drinking water must be a priority for all human kind. Water is life.
This article is very useful,thanks