WSAIP to improve water security in Zambia
…. Lusaka deputy mayor says WSAIP is a highly participatory stakeholder empowerment process that cut across water supply and sanitation services in Zambia
Lusaka (05-04-19) Lusaka Deputy Mayor Chitangala Chilando has disclosed that the Water Security Action and Investment Plan (WSAIP) is set not only to deliver a multi-sectoral plan aimed at improving water security in cities but also offer commitment to implement the action plan.
Ms. Chitangala said in an interview that the WSAIP which is a highly participatory stakeholder empowerment process will cut across water supply and sanitation services.
“The water security body will also be responsible for the water resources management, urban planning and will create an integrated approach not out to understanding but also improving water security in the country.
According to Ms Chitangala the water security body will also be responsible for the socio-economic costs of water security, costs, benefits and viability of different solutions all aimed at improving the water situation in Zambia.
She observed that the core responsibility of the water security body will be the financial analysis which is one of the key options of the project.
“This plan is to provide a series of financially viable and investable projects which has the potential of being taken forward into development.”
Further more Ms. Chitangala disclosed, WSAIP will engage stakeholders that will be responsible for financing th projects.
“Corperating partners including Ministry of Finance, the PPP Unit, Development donors and other private sector as the the main financiers of the projects.”
Furthermore Mr. Chitangala observed, the Lusaka City Council (LCC) is one of the main partners of LuWSI.
“Since 2016 LCC had been coordinating School and community awareness campaign project for LuWSI.”
She said the LCC has an extensive mission of improving the quality of life for all people who live, work, conduct business, including those visiting the city of Lusaka.
She maintained that, the LCC committed itself to provide not only quality services but also an enabling environment which will lead to the meaningful employment opportunities and advanced stakeholder participation in the service provision.
“Key to these services is housing, roads and drainage creation as well as Sustainable Integrated City Planning, Development and Public Health which will ensure quality public health standards in the country.
“Because of its mandate and obligation WSAIP will be supporting community engagement and empowerment process within its framework.”
Recently, the Lusaka deputy Mayor attended a highly participatory stakeholder empowerment meeting in the Germany capital Berlin where the idea of water security was muted.
The meeting was also attended by the Mayor of Ndola Amon Chisenga.
Other dignitaries from Zambia that attended the meeting with the Lusaka deputy mayor are kasama District Commissioner, Kelly kashiwa, LWSC CEO. Jonathan kampata, ZACCI
Director Laurian Haangala,
Director for Corporate affairs at Zambia breweries one Ezekiel sekele and Lusaka province Administration assistant secretary Peter Chilambwe.
The rest were Ndola City Council Town Clerk
Bwalya Wisdom snd GIZ country coordinator Robin Farrington.
Ms. Chitangala described the meeting as productive and promised to do everything possible to ensure that all that was discussed are implemented for the good of the country.