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Zambia has been named as a country that has proved to be a shining example in successfully utilising the water reform programme known as ‘innovative water sector reform’.
Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa (SUWASA) Deputy Chief of Party Dennis Mwanza said Zambia’s regulatory water body, the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), has performed extremely well in the implementation of the water reform programme.
Dr. Mwanza said Zambia has beaten 10 other countries in utilizing the water reform programme.
He said Zambia has been cited as a shining example in this area due to the quality services being provided to the water consumers especially in the country’s urban and peri-urban areas.
Dr. Mwanza was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today at the ongoing financing the water supply and sanitation sector-sources and istruments workshop at the Pamodzi hotel.
He however said, the social water tariffs on water in Africa where his organisation is partnering with respective governments were too low and needed to be reviewed.
He disclosed that Zambia has benefited from the UU$41.5 million capital that was injected towards improving the water sector that is being implemented for a period of 6 years.
SUWASA, whose regional headquarters is based in Nairobi Kenya, provides technical and financial support to the water sector in 11 African countries.
Among these African countries are Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Senegal, South Sudan and Zambia.
And speaking at the same function, NWASCO Country Director Kelvin Chitumbo said his organisation was facing challenges of infrastructure and investment.
Mr. Chitumbo said most infrastructures in the country were dilapidated and needed urgent improvement.
And Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH) Permanent Secretary Bernard Namachila challenged water utility firms to design a model tariffs aimed at realising full cost recovery and consequently guaranteeing efficient services to water consumers.
Mr. Namachila said in a speech read for him by Ministry of Local Government Director of Department of Housing and Infrastructure Development Cledwin Mulambo that water companies should look beyond traditional sources of funding.
Meanwhile workshop participants, who include water experts, have asked government to appoint a new board of directors for NWASCO so that the council improves the provision of water services to people.
