The water crisis in Zambia is not a mere statistic; it’s a pressing and severe reality. The lack of access to clean and safe water is not just a challenge to basic human needs but a silent threat, with water-borne diseases emerging as a significant public health crisis. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting education and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality, particularly among girls.
The importance of clean water is multi-faceted, influencing not only personal well-being but also economic activities. The lack of clean water directly impacts businesses and agriculture, which are critical elements of commerce in Zambia, thereby hindering economic development. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive intervention strategies that go beyond just improving water infrastructure, including promoting hygiene and sanitation practices and ensuring sustainable water resource management. This is more than a matter of infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that all individuals, especially vulnerable groups like children and women, have the foundation to lead healthy, educated, and economically productive lives.
The Zambian government’s Commitment to solving water issues through the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme II (NRWSSP II) 2019-2030 is a significant step towards addressing the country’s water crisis.
The National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (2019-2030) is a testament to the Zambian government’s commitment to addressing the country’s water crisis, particularly in rural areas. By aiming for 100% access to water supply and 90% access to sanitation, the initiative recognizes the wide-ranging implications of water scarcity on health, education, and economic development. The program’s goals align with global objectives, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which strives to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The successful implementation of NRWSSP II in Zambia would significantly reduce water-borne diseases, improve school attendance, and enhance the quality of life for millions of Zambians, particularly in rural communities where the need is most acute.
The situation in Kazungula highlights the broader water challenges faced across Zambia, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to safe and sustainable water sources. Climate change—which affects the consistency and predictability of water availability—and other factors, such as infrastructure challenges and population growth, contribute to the difficulties in securing a reliable water supply for these communities.
Project Funders
In a timely collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA), the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) spearheads a Water Supply Project in Kazungula, Zambia. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation is implementing the project through the Department of Water Resources Development. This is a testament to our shared commitment to addressing the water crisis. The Kazungula project seeks to tackle these challenges by improving access to water and sanitation, especially in rural areas such as Kazungula.
The water challenges in Kazungula prompted the project and reflect a broader challenge across Zambia concerning water supply, particularly in rural districts. Being a border town, the issues faced by the inhabitants of Kazungula may also have cross-border implications, affecting trade, mobility, and relations with neighboring countries. The impacts of climate change, such as variable rainfall patterns, floods, and droughts, exacerbate existing water supply issues, making it more challenging to maintain consistent access to safe water. In areas like Kazungula, where access to safe water is limited for a significant portion of the population, there can be considerable setbacks in development priorities such as education, food security, and poverty alleviation.
Project Beneficiaries
The project will benefit the Sihumbwa Basic School, with approximately 500 learners, nine teachers, and the two villages surrounding the school. The Sihumbwa Basic School was built in 1943 and is in the Kazungula District of the Southern Province. The school has been experiencing water challenges that have affected hygiene and learning, especially among female children, leading to dropouts as children have to fetch water from long-distance water points. Further benefiting from the project will be the two villages surrounding the school, which comprise approximately 2500 people. The school has a feeding program that addresses short-term hunger, reduces nutrient deficiency, improves attendance and performance, and encourages healthy eating habits. Due to insufficient water supply, the program has suffered – as the school garden went dry, and the school could not access fresh vegetables and fruits. The inadequate water supply at school prompted the project to ensure adequate water supply at the school and the villages.
For these reasons, initiatives like the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme are essential. The aim is to bolster water infrastructure, improve resource management, and implement sustainable solutions to provide the population with the means to cope with water-related challenges. This is crucial for the overall prosperity and well-being of the community and the country.
The water challenges in Kazungula, and by extension throughout Zambia, have a pronounced effect on agricultural production. As a largely rural country with an economy significantly reliant on agriculture, water availability is critical for farmers’ livelihood and the national economy.
The Kazungula project entails Groundwater Mapping and Development, aquifer Identification and Characterization, Water Demand determination at Sihumbwa Basic School and the two surrounding villages, Construction and Development of three 100-meter Production Boreholes, and Design and Construction of a Solar-powered Water Supply Network.
Sustainability Plan
A structured sustainability framework has been put in place to ensure the long-term viability of the water supply at Sihumbwa Primary School and the neighboring villages. This framework includes the establishment of water committees for the school and each of the villages. These committees are pivotal in overseeing the daily operations of the water system, with designated caretakers responsible for routine maintenance and management.
Crucially, the government has crafted an Operation and Maintenance manual specifically tailored to guide the upkeep of small water systems, ensuring that all procedures adhere to established best practices for longevity and reliability. Moreover, to bolster these community-driven efforts, the Southern Water and Sanitation Company will lend its expertise in managing the facilities, guaranteeing professional oversight and institutional support.