POSITION PAPER ON GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES IN LUAPULA PROVINCE IN 2014

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE POSITION PAPER PRESENTED TO NGOS IN LUAPULA REGARDING THE UPSCALING OF WATER AND SANITATION IN THE PROVINCE FOLLOWING THE PETITION MADE TO THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA MR.  MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA IN SEPTEMBER, 2013.

RESPONSE PRESENTED BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING REV. HAWARD SIKWELA.

The Permanent secretary reaffirmed government commitment to end water poverty and it has prioritized the sector in National Planning to enhance resource allocation as a means to alleviate poverty and socio-economic development.

In 2014 budget the government has allocated a total number K417.8 million towards improvement of water supply and sanitation services in the country. It is expected that over 602, 500 people in rural areas will benefit from accessing clean and safe drinking water.

Specific commitment to Luapula Province by Government of the Republic of Zambia

A). Rural Water Supply and Sanitation

1). 553 Boreholes will be constructed.

2). 316 Boreholes will be rehabilitated.

3). 43 Hand- dug wells will be constructed.

4). 202 institutional VIP toilets will be constructed.

All these investments will be undertaken through the support of Government, UNICEF and JAICA.

B). Urban and Peri-Urban Areas -Water Supply and Sanitation

1). US$10Million has been secured from ARAB Bank of Development in Africa (BADEA) for improvement of Water and Sanitation facilities in Mansa and Kawambwa. Works are expected to start by the second quarter of this year.

2). 12 Water schemes will be constructed.

Information Management Systems

The Ministry is in a process of ensuring that all districts and provincial centers have a comprehensive data base.

CSOs’ Requirements

CSOs need to give Ministry of Local Government the number of portable lab for water quality testing and the detailed costs so that they engage the ministry of finance for support.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATION WORTH GOVRNMENT CONSIDERATION

There is need for the government to specifically provide 0.5% from the GDP rather than depending largely on external support.